Billed as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” the Circleville Pumpkin Show has been a staple of autumn in Central Ohio since 1903.
The Greatest Free Show on Earth
Originally a small pumpkin and corn agricultural show, over the years it has blossomed into the festival we know today. The show features rides, exhibits, games, shopping, food and more. Attendance for the show has topped 400,000 and in 2007 was listed as the sixth largest festival in the United States.
The show has been cancelled for 2020, leading locals to rename this year the Pumpkin No-Show. Prior to this year the festival operated nearly continuously The exceptions were a one year break during World War I and a two year break during World War II.
Giant Pumpkins and Queens
The Show kicks off every year with a weigh in of the giant pumpkin. The mammoth squash are over 1000 and sometimes approach 2000 pounds. There are parades held each afternoon. Popular parades include the pet parade, baby parade, and the Little Miss parade. The evening parades include the Miss Pumpkin Show Parade, Parade of Bands, and Parade of Queens. Prizes are given for baked goods, garden produce, photography, and art work.
On the street rides, games and a variety of foods are offered. There are a number of pumpkin flavored foods including burgers, ice cream, waffles, cream puffs, and more. A stop at Lindsey’s Bakery on Main Street provides a look at the world’s largest pumpkin pie and a taste of their famous pumpkin donuts.
While we can’t enjoy the sites, sounds, smells, and taste of the Pumpkin Show in 2020, we can mark our calendars for next year. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of Pumpkin Shows past.
If you’d like to learn more about the Pumpkin Show, visit their website. And for more great ideas for travelling the Buckeye State, visit our day trips tab. Looking for the perfect pumpkin? Follow us as we visit four Ohio patches. And as always, thanks for FindingOhio with us!
