Circleville Pumpkin Show

The Circleville Pumpkin Show is pretty well known. I don't think I've ever seen pumpkins anywhere as big as they are there!

Can you imagine the world's largest pumpkin pie? Let me describe the ingredients used for this 14 foot diamater pie:

   -  795 pounds of pumpkin
   -  360 pounds of sugar
   -  60 dozen eggs
   -  60 pounds of powdered milk
   -  400 pounds of flour
   -  75 gallons of water

It took fifteen people to mix the ingredients and ten hours to bake the pie. Isn't that incredible!

Actual pumpkins from the show

The Circleville Pumpkin show has a history going way back to 1903. The mayor, George R. Haswell, held a small exhibit on West Main Street in front of his place. Pumpkins and corn fodders were the main decorations, and the various jack-o-lanterns was responsible for the name.

The next year some of the neighborhood merchants joined in the exhibition. From that point forward the exhibit continued to grow each year.

In 1905 the first merry go round was set up for the show. An organization was formed using volunteers, with the mayor as the president in honor of the founder. They wanted to keep the show fair and above reproach.

Today it's the sixth largest festival in America. During the four days and nights over 300,000 people attend this exhibit. It's known as the Greatest Free Show On Earth.

Now more than 250 volunteers contribute their time and effort to make the show a success. More than 30 local organizations participate with the operation of food booths, sales of souvenirs and other items.

There are seven parades each year:

Wednesday - Little Miss Parade at 3:30PM and Miss Pumpkin Show at 8:00PM

Thursday - Baby Parade at 3:30PM and Parade of Bands at 8:00PM

Friday - Pet Parade at 3:30PM and Fraternal and Civic Parade at 8:00PM

Saturday - Queen's Parade of the queen's of the Ohio Festivals and Events Association 8:00PM

There are more than 50 bands and more than 50 floats in the parades.

You'll find more than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash and gourds on the street display. There are also displays of canned goods, baked goods, a flower show, fruits and vegetables and an art show in the Watt Street Pumpkin Show building. A Home Arts and Craft Show is also held.

They also have 25 to 30 rides offered on the streets, from kiddies to adults.

Dates: October 20 through October 23, 2010

Directions:
Circleville, Ohio is located on US Route 23 approximately 25 miles south of Columbus.

If you are traveling on Route 23 to get to Circleville, it will be impossible to miss the exits for The Pumpkin Show.

For events and schedules visit the Circleville Pumpkin Show Website.

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