Each month, we feature an Ohio City as part of our Ohio Community Spotlight series. This month we visit “Roundtown,” the county seat of Pickaway County - Circleville.
Welcome back to the #GOPC Thread! Today we’re in Circleville, OH, which sits on the Scioto River in Pickaway County. Founded in 1810, this city of 13,000 is known as “the best little town around!”
Image Source: City of Circleville
Circleville gets its name from the city’s original layout which was based on the circular Hopewell tradition earthwork built nearly 2000 years ago. In the 1830s, resident requests prompted the city to change the layout to a standard grid format, which persists today.
Circleville is home to large manufacturers thanks to its easy access to highways, proximity to Columbus, and an ample water supply. DuPont (plastic films), PACCAR (trucks), PPG (polymer resin), and Sofidel (tissue paper) are just some of the manufacturers that make up Circleville’s largest employment industry.
Circleville’s water tower holds the world record for being the largest pumpkin sculpture in the world. It was painted to resemble a pumpkin in 1997, 21 years after the tower was built, to promote the city’s annual Pumpkin Show Festival.
Image Source: World Record Academy
Dubbed the “Greatest free show on Earth”, the Circleville Pumpkin Show is not to be missed! This annual festival started in 1903 and has grown into an event with over 400,000 attendees. Featuring rides, vendors, parades, and pumpkin shows, the Pumpkin Show is the highlight of the year for many!
Image Source: Circleville Pumpkin Show
Circleville artists find support in the nonprofit, ArtsaRound, which provides local artists with education, promotion, and scholarships. Year-round art shows and exhibitions at the ArtsaRound Gallery are open to the community.
Image Source: ArstaRound
Uptown Circleville announced its lineup of summer events, including community favorites like the Mrs. Roper Pub Crawl! These events are made possible through strong partnerships with @VisitPickaway, the City of Circleville, and local businesses. Interested in doing more? Sign up to volunteer!
Image Source: Uptown Circleville
There is plenty of fun to be had in Circleville’s five parks! Playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball and pickleball courts are available all year to enjoy. This summer, check out the new splash pad at Ted Lewis park!
Image Source: City of Circleville
Enjoy basketball? Uptown Circleville hosts an annual summer tournament for players of all skill levels. This 3-on-3 tournament is a great way to connect with fellow community members and explore Circleville’s downtown! Save the date for July 19!
Image Source: Scioto Post
History buffs, listen up! The Clarke-May Museum in downtown Circleville was once Dr. Edward Clarke’s dentistry practice and now showcases his life and legacy. Come check out this moment frozen in time, including antique furniture, clothing and the preserved dental office.
The Octagon House was built in 1855 by George W. Gregg and is in the process of being restored to its original condition. Fun fact – the house was moved when it was at risk of being demolished for Circleville’s Walmart Super Center. It is now open for tours as it continues to be restored.
Image Source: Pickaway County Visitors Bureau
Spring is a great time to visit Circleville’s area-farms and nurseries! Support local farms like Buzzy Blooms Flower Farm, A&R Alpaca Farm, and ForEVer Rowdy Farm, in surrounding Pickaway County. #GOPCThread
Thank you for exploring Circleville today with the #GOPCThread! Check out @VisitPickaway to learn more about the city’s community events, businesses, and venues. And join us next month as we hit the road to visit another Ohio city!
Cover Photo: Main Street Circleville - Photo by Analogue Kid
