Decatur Tribune Celebrates 'April Fools Day' with Long History

Editor reflects on the origins and traditions of the annual prank holiday

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:36pm

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In this edition of the Decatur Tribune published on April 1st, or 'April Fools Day', Editor and Publisher Paul Osborne discusses the long history of the annual prank holiday, sharing personal anecdotes and observations about how the tradition has evolved over time. Osborne also touches on the unpredictable weather the region has experienced in recent months and the ongoing trend of residents leaving Illinois due to high property taxes.

Why it matters

April Fools' Day has been celebrated for centuries, with traditions and customs varying across different cultures. As a long-standing annual event, the holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of humor, mischief, and social commentary in society. Osborne's personal reflections on the holiday's history and modern manifestations offer insights into how this tradition continues to be relevant and shape local community discourse.

The details

Osborne shares several personal anecdotes about his experiences with April Fools' Day pranks, including how he would respond to attempts to trick him after the holiday had passed. He also notes that in Germany, the tradition involves tricking someone into believing a fake story, only to reveal the prank by shouting 'April, April!' Osborne suggests that in today's 'confused world', some social media platforms and 'pretend news' sources have taken on the responsibility of producing fake stories, blurring the lines between news and pranks. The editor also reflects on the unpredictable weather the region has experienced in recent months, with drastic temperature swings that have him constantly retrieving and putting away his winter coat.

  • Osborne was elected as Decatur's Mayor on April 1, 2003 - April Fools' Day.
  • Last Thursday, the temperature was 82 degrees, but 10 hours later it had dropped to 32 degrees.

The players

Paul Osborne

The editor and publisher of the Decatur Tribune, who has been reflecting on the history and traditions of April Fools' Day in this edition of the newspaper.

Fred Puglia

The former organizer of the Decatur Celebration, who Osborne shared a 'toast' with in the 1990s, though Osborne doesn't remember what they were toasting.

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What they’re saying

“April Fools Day has passed and you are the biggest fool at last!”

— Osborne, Editor/Publisher

“Eight of 11 metro areas in the state and more than half its counties saw net outmigration to other states in the year ending last July 1, according to Census Bureau estimates released Thursday.”

— Illinois Policy, Report

What’s next

Osborne plans to continue his weekly discussions of local news and politics on the 'Byers & Co.' radio program on WSOY, a partnership he has maintained for nearly a quarter century.

The takeaway

April Fools' Day has a rich history of humor, mischief, and social commentary, with traditions that have evolved over time and continue to shape local discourse, even as the modern media landscape blurs the lines between news and pranks. Osborne's personal reflections on the holiday offer a unique perspective on how this annual tradition remains relevant and meaningful in the Decatur community.