With the fall season right around the corner, visitors are filling their calendars with all the fun-filled events coming to the Hocking Hills. One of these events is the Circleville Pumpkin Show, an annual festival that has been celebrated each year since 1903! As one of the most highly-attended fall festivals in the Hocking Hills, it is well worth the 45-minute journey from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls! Here is what you need to know about the Circleville Pumpkin Show and why you’ll want to make it a tradition every year!
Interested in more events like the Circleville Pumpkin Show? Then you won’t want to be without our free Hocking Hills Vacation Guide! This handy tool will help you plan the ultimate getaway without the stress or extensive research.
History of the Circleville Pumpkin Show
The Circleville Pumpkin Show got its start as a humble street fair. In the early 1900s, the Mayor of Circleville and the superintendent of the water works conceived the idea and held a small exhibit on West Main Street. The exhibit mainly consisted of pumpkins and corn fodder carved into jack-o-lanterns, all of which were responsible for earning the name “pumpkin show.”
Throughout the years, more and more attractions were added to the show, including merchants and a merry-go-round. Attendance spiked and the city knew they had a successful event on their hands. In 1946, a non-profit organization called the Circleville Pumpkin Show was formed and took over all operations of the festival. Their main goal was to create an event that brought the community together and to create a festival known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.” Even today, the Circleville Pumpkin Show is an astounding success that attracts thousands of visitors per year for four days of autumn fun.
What to Expect at the Circleville Pumpkin Show
There is something for everyone of any age to enjoy at this Hocking Hills fall festival! Whether you seek adrenaline, delicious food, live music, or unique entertainment, boredom is never an option. Here are just some of the fabulous events and attractions at the Circleville Pumpkin Show that you won’t want to miss!
- Miss Pumpkin Show
- Little Miss Pumpkin Show
- Pet Parade
- Concessions and Carnival Rides
- Pumpkin Show Community Band Concert
- Pumpkin Size Contest
Circleville Pumpkin Show Food
If you’re hoping to satisfy your sweet tooth at the festival, then you won’t be disappointed! Some of our personal favorite treats are the warm pumpkin and cinnamon donuts. Wittich’s Candy Store also has wonderful handmade candy, pumpkin crème in dark or milk chocolate, and any kind of candy you can imagine. Lindsay’s Bakery is the home of the largest pumpkin pie, which you’ll have to see to believe. Another unique selection is the festival’s pumpkin burgers, which are very similar to a sloppy joe!
Tips for Attending the Circleville Pumpkin Show
If you want to avoid the crowds, attending the festival on a weekday is a must! The event is usually packed on the weekends and on Friday nights. Parking is available, but since the event is so popular the lots can fill up fast! Check surrounding neighborhoods as many people open up their own properties for festival attendees.
Book Your Stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Need a place to stay for the Circleville Pumpkin Show? We invite you to stay with us at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in nearby Logan, OH. Our sought-after bed & breakfast is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with your loved ones and the beauty of nature.
We offer a number of memorable accommodations including the 1840’s-style cabins, cozy Pacific yurts, bed & breakfast rooms, and cozy cottages. We are also the home to one of the Hocking Hills’ best restaurants, Kindred Spirits, and a relaxing spa. It’s everything you need and more to return home feeling refreshed. Book your stay today at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls! We look forward to welcoming you to the Hocking Hills soon.