2012 Friend of the Festival - Denis Jagodzinski

 

 

The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee is pleased to announce Denis Jagodzinski as the 2012 Friend of the Festival.  Dennis was born and raised in northern Illinois.  In fact the only time he left was to join the USAF, serving as a military policeman in Vietnam, the Philippines and Minot ND.  He was discharged, lived and worked in Rockford, Illinois working for the Winnebago County Sheriffs Department.  In 1979 Denis changed careers, joined American Family Insurance, and moved to Sycamore.  Denis is married to Jill, and has two  children, and two step children.

Denis enjoys being active in the community as a member of the Sycamore Sportsman's Club, Vietnow, VFW and Kiwanis.  He is a past member of the Sycamore Jaycees and served as parade chairman in 1996 for the 35th parade.

Denis's favorite part of the festival is simply the way the community gathers together to become one.  "I really enjoy the kids, form the time they pick up pumpkins (which he has donated since 1986) until they are judged on the courthouse lawn", says Denis.  "I love the crowds and a beautiful, sunny October day.  When the parade kicks off, it feels like a home coming event - from the crowds gathering downtown where the community groups serve them - to the parties' homes host both on and off the route.  I'm so proud of our community and the way the clubs, organizations and the people come together to make out Sycamore Pumpkin Festival".

It is truly the best event in all of Illinois.