The “Greatest Free Show on Earth”: The Circleville Pumpkin Show in Full Swing
It’s that time of year again! I can almost feel the crunch of fallen leaves beneath my boots as I wander through Circleville, Ohio, during its famed Pumpkin Show. The aroma of spiced pumpkin treats and caramelized sugar filling the crisp October air, wrapping me in the essence of fall. If there’s an event that embodies the spirit of autumn, it’s this four-day festival.
As you step into the heart of Circleville, pumpkins greet you at every corner—hundreds of thousands of them, in all shapes and sizes!!! It’s a dazzling sea of orange, a celebration of harvest, community, and a whole lot of pumpkin-flavored goodness.
The Circleville Pumpkin Show has been bringing people together since 1903. It all started with a humble display of corn stalks and pumpkins, set up by the mayor as a nod to local agriculture. Over the years, this modest gathering blossomed into one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the United States. Now, it covers eight city blocks and welcomes around 400,000 visitors each year. The best part? It’s completely free. Hence the promotional line “The greatest free show on earth.” 🙂 The community’s spirit shines through the festival’s “no gate, no ticket” policy, reflecting a mission to promote goodwill among both residents and visitors. It’s basically a town-wide country fair–it isn’t held in a “fairground”, which is part of the charm, but that also means there will be traffic everywhere during the festival. If you love a good country fair, expect more of the same with an extra dose of pumpkin.
More than 40 floats and 50 bands participate in the Seven Pumpkin Show Parades each with a different theme. The best place to watch the parades is on East & West Franklin Street. Afternoon parades start at 3:30 p.m. (no afternoon parade on Saturday) and the evening parades start at 8:00 p.m.
It’s the GREAT PUMPKIN, Charlie!
The first day kicks off with a giant pumpkin weigh-in on Main Street. These aren’t your garden-variety pumpkins—these are behemoths, trucked in on flatbeds and offloaded with heavy equipment. Imagine pumpkins that tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds. Standing next to one, you’ll feel a bit like an ant. Every day offers a different spectacle, from the Queen’s Parade to the whimsical Pet Parade, with floats, marching bands, and even more pumpkins.
Getting my exercise for the day
The sheer variety of events is a whirlwind—and sure to get your heart rate up. I found myself cheering on the Big Wheel Race, gasping at the size of the world’s largest pumpkin pie (insane!), and laughing through the pie-eating contest. I consider all of that good cardio! And that’s not even counting the laughing and screaming on the rides (or fidgeting while on line for the rides). If you’re the competitive type, there’s even a pumpkin toss. I’d give it a shot, but let’s just say those pumpkins can be deceivingly heavy!
🙂
Let’s talk about food
The festival boasts a maze of over 400 food booths, many offering pumpkin-themed delicacies. I started my culinary adventure with a warm pumpkin donut, its sugary glaze melting on my tongue, followed by the pumpkin spice having a party in my mouth. The pumpkin donut vendor is Lindsey’s Bakery, and they sell those donuts at their brick and mortar 5 days a week, year-round. Did I mention that this town takes pumpkins very seriously? Next came a slice of pumpkin pie, silky and spiced to perfection, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The scent of roasting nuts and caramel, mingling with the savory aroma of deep-fried treats was everywhere. Imagine everything from pumpkin cookies and pumpkin burgers to pumpkin ice cream and even pumpkin pizza. I couldn’t resist trying a pumpkin funnel cake—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dusted with powdered sugar. I think I’m going to need more cardio…a lot more. I think I’ll join the country line-dancing fun later today!
A note about dogs: Well-behaved pups are welcome to join the fun at the annual Pumpkin Show, but please be mindful to clean up after them. Don’t miss the Pet Parade on Friday—check the event website for more information and registration details. Keep in mind that the festival is held on hard surfaces, with no grassy areas, so consider your pet’s comfort before bringing them along. Please also be careful of what “snacks” it might hoover up, particularly around food vendors, to avoid your pet consuming something that could make it sick.
Sounds of the Show
As I meandered through the fair, the sounds of country, rock, gospel, and jazz bands drifted from three different stages. Performances range from local high school bands to well-known acts. The music blends with the laughter of sugared-up kids and the calliope sounds of the amusement rides with the whooshes and squeals of carnival games to complete the lively soundtrack. The hog-calling contest added a rural charm to the festivities—let’s just say, you’ll hear sounds you didn’t know humans could make!
How to Get There and Practical Tips
Circleville, Ohio is conveniently located just off Route 23, about 20 miles south of Columbus. As you approach, the town’s iconic water tower, painted to resemble a pumpkin—stem and all—comes into view. If you’re not keen on driving, consider hopping on one of the 30 bus tours that make a stop at the festival or park in one of the lots and take a shuttle over. You’ll see the signs at several church parking lots, etc. for where to park. Check the website for details on transportation options.
Dates, Times and Logistics
The 2024 Pumpkin Show will take place from October 16–19, running from morning until late at night. Since admission is free, you can spend your money on all the pumpkin goodies your heart desires. Parking can get a bit tricky, as the festival draws a crowd, so arriving early is advisable. Some lots may charge a fee, but you’ll find plenty of options within walking distance of the festivities. I’m a fan of visiting early in the day on a weekday for fewer crowds and traffic.
Plan your Visit
Circleville’s Pumpkin Show is the epitome of small-town charm with big-time fun. It’s an immersive experience, where you become part of a tradition over a century old. As I walked away from the festival, my bag heavy with pumpkin cookies and a few decorative gourds, I couldn’t help but smile. This is a place that knows how to celebrate autumn in the most spirited way.
If you find yourself yearning for a classic fall adventure, mark your calendar. Pack your coziest sweater, your comfiest walking shoes, and bring an appetite for all things pumpkin. Circleville awaits with open arms and a slice of pie. For a full schedule and more details, visit pumpkinshow.com or call 740-474-7000.
Happy Travels!