Circleville will see a population explosion in the next few days, when thousands of visitors will pass through for the “Greatest Free Show on Earth.”
Organizers reported that each year, about 400,000 people are drawn by hordes of gourds to the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Additionally, a recent survey of a sampling of visitors received responses from people from 34 states and 13 foreign countries.
Now in its 119th year, the world-famous agricultural event will take place Oct. 21-24, covering more than nine blocks of the city’s downtown.
More than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash and gourds will be displayed. There also will be canned goods, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, flower shows, an art show and a home arts and crafts show.
Before you go,
here’s some info to get you rolling, for gourd’s sake.
Circleville Pumpkin Show dates set
Preview night will be 5-10 p.m. Oct. 20, with X Audio Music/Jonny Warner providing tunes, plus concessions and rides will be open. The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m., followed by a parade celebrating 250 years of agriculture.
Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. daily through Oct. 24.
Giant pumpkins set for competition
Area growers will heft their girthy gourds onto the scales at 8 a.m. Oct. 21 at Court and Main streets.
Giant pumpkin pie a key attraction
Lindsey’s Bakery will once again create and display a pie weighing upward of 400 pounds and measuring more than 6 feet in diameter. Bet your sweet pumpkins it'll be a sight to see!
Pumpkin-flavored food fills the streets
There will be doughnuts by the thousands – and yes, they’re made from pumpkin! So are most other foods at the show including cookies, burgers, taffy, ice cream, cake, soups, waffles, cream puffs, fudge, milkshakes and many other choices.
Save a few bucks on ride tickets
There’s a pretty big deal that will save you a few dollars if you act now. To buy 20 ride tickets for $20 or a $27 wristband for unlimited rides, purchase online by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 19 at innovativeticketing.com/events.
At the show, tickets will be $25 for 20, and wristbands will cost $35.
Entertainment to fill downtown streets
Four stages of live performances will be offered, as well as pie-eating, egg-tossing, Big Wheel racing and hog-calling competitions, and the new Pumpkin Show Talent Contest.
Parking at the Pumpkin Show
You’ll have two shuttle options to avoid downtown parking. PICCA and AMVETS will provide service from AMVETS, 818 Tarlton Road, from Oct. 21-24. The Ohio Christian University baseball team operates from OCU, 1476 Lancaster Pike, from Oct. 20-24.
Check out the full schedule
Visit pumpkinshow.com for schedules, maps, parade details and more info.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Circleville Pumpkin Show returns for its 119th year. Dates and details
