Circleville in Pickaway County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

History of "The Greatest Free Show On Earth"

Photographed By Craig Doda, December 24, 2021

1. History of "The Greatest Free Show On Earth" Marker

Inscription.
The Circleville Pumpkin Show had its beginning in the fall of 1903 when the mayor, George Haswell, conceived the idea of inviting the farmers of the area to display the fruits of their harvest on the streets of Circleville. The event has endured 100 years. During the two World Wars, the event was postponed for three years.

Business interests of the town supported Mayor Haswell's idea with vigor, and this same spirit still moves the citizens of Pickaway County in preparing for this annual event that attracts over 400,000 visitors to this small community each year in October. The Circleville Pumpkin Show has attracted worldwide attention and acclaim. It is now considered one of the major festivals in the United States with visitors from all across the 50 states and many foreign countries.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 39° 36.109′ N, 82° 56.665′ W. Marker is in Circleville, Ohio, in Pickaway County. Marker is on East Main Street (U.S. 22) just east of North Court Street (Ohio Route 188), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 E Main St, Circleville OH 43113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Caleb Atwater (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct

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line); Model 1841 6-Pounder Field Gun (about 500 feet away); Walk Of Remembrance (about 500 feet away); Memorial Hall (about 600 feet away); This Fence (about 600 feet away); Prehistoric Circular Earthworks / The Squaring of Circleville (about 600 feet away); Peoples Bank (about 600 feet away); War Savings Quota (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Circleville.

Photographed By Craig Doda, December 24, 2021

2. History of "The Greatest Free Show On Earth" Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, December 24, 2021

3. History of "The Greatest Free Show On Earth" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on April 30, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 7, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.