Circleville Pumpkin Show 2023: What you need to know from parking to parades
Pumpkins of prodigious proportions will have you gasping, "Oh, my gourd!" when the 2023 Circleville Pumpkin Show returns this week.
This is the event's 116th year since beginning in 1903, according to Nanisa Osborn, a trustee and volunteer for the annual event. "There have only been four years when there was no pumpkin show: once during World War I, twice during World War II and of course, during the pandemic," she said.
The celebration of all things pumpkin — from parades and pageants to carving demonstrations and pie-eating contests and more — will officially kick off with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Court and Main streets, followed by the hoisting of the biggest pumpkin contenders for weigh-in at 9:15 a.m.
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A Tuesday night preview will offer concessions, rides, line dancing, live music including a performance by McGuffey Lane, and more.
If you're planning to make a trip to the Circleville Pumpkin Show, we've got you covered with an abundance of information to know before you go.
Where is the Circleville Pumpkin Show held?
The festivities take place at various locations in downtown Circleville.
What are the hours?
Tuesday's preview events will be held from 5-10 p.m. Official opening day is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, then the show will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
What's the parking situation?
The Circleville Pumpkin Show attracted "just slightly over 400,000 people" over the course of four days last year, so expect street parking to be at a premium, Osborn said.
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If you want to skip the search for a parking spot, there will be two shuttles to and from the pumpkin show. Pickaway County Community Action Agency (PICCA) will operate a shuttle from the Amvets lot, 818 Tarlton Road, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The cost is $10 per carload. Also, the Ohio Christian University baseball team will offer shuttle service from the university parking area at 1476 Lancaster Pike for $3 per person, running approximately the same hours as the PICCA shuttle.
"Either one is a great opportunity to keep you from having to find a parking spot," Osborn said, adding that several churches in the area might also be selling parking spaces.
What kinds of pumpkin-related foods will there be?
A better question is what foods won't be offered, as this year's menu incorporating the groovy gourd is long, including pierogies, corn dogs on a stick with cheese, elephant ears, cream puffs, ice cream, chili, deep-fried pie, caramel corn, pancakes, pie, doughnuts, fudge, taffy, chicken sandwiches, brownies, cookies — and Osborn's perennial favorite, pumpkin burgers.
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Can I expect the usual plethora of parades?
Absolutely! Spectators can enjoy the Little Miss Pumpkin Show and Miss Pumpkin Show parades on Wednesday; the baby parade and another featuring bands and youth organizations on Thursday; processions of pets and lodges, civil and fraternal organizations on Friday; and on Saturday, the Ohio Festival & Events Association queens parade.
Special parade guests will be the first Little Miss Pumpkin from 1947, Jean (Chaffin) Jahn, as well as the 1951 Miss Pumpkin Show, Charlene (Jackson) Baeshm.
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What else is there to see?
The event will offer a variety of craft demonstrations including giant pumpkin-carving each day by Gus "Squashcarver" Smithhisler, as well as dance performances, live music, a Big Wheel race, the crowning of Miss Pumpkin Show and Little Miss Pumpkin, and a whole lot more!
What if I'm still hungry after trying all the pumpkin foods?
If you believe there's no such thing as eating too much pumpkin, then the pumpkin pie-eating contest is for you! There will be contests for kids (16 and under) and adults (17 and older). "Make sure you have a clean shirt to wear afterward because it's messy!" Osborn advised.
Will there be pumpkins for sale?
"We'll have many, many pumpkins for sale at the show, located for the most part on North Court Street, normally with the giant pumpkins," Osborn said.
In addition to selling pumpkins, growers will have seeds for those who might want to try their hand at being next year's giant pumpkin champ.
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Will there be pumpkin show souvenirs?
The highlight of this year's souvenirs will be a pin celebrating the 75th Little Miss Pumpkin Show that's made to look like a pie from Lindsey's Bakery, which Osborn said has served the Circleville Pumpkin Show for about 60 years. There also will be clocks, cups, shirts, plushies, candles, magnets, and more.
My pets love pumpkin! Can I bring them?
Yes, but please keep an eye on your furry friends. Osborn said veterinarians have reported seeing pets that became ill after eating food from the ground. Pumpkin-flavored treats will be available for four-legged guests.
Where can I get more information?
For schedules, registrations for contests, and other details, visit pumpkinshow.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know if you plan to go to the 2023 Circleville Pumpkin Show
