How to Register for Circleville Pumpkin Show Contests or Enter the Official Pin Contest
Updated
Contest registration and the official pin contest are both handled online through the Circleville Pumpkin Show website, but they run on different timelines. Registrations for Little Miss Pumpkin Show, baby judging, and parades can be submitted through the site's online registration link. The 2026 pin contest accepts original design submissions, also via an online link. Note that the site's contest registration window for the next show reopens in September 2027, and the 2026 pin contest is a separate, earlier deadline tied to the 2026 Show.
Contest Registration: What You Can Sign Up For
The online registration covers three contest categories:
- Little Miss Pumpkin Show
- Baby judging
- Parades
The site states that registrations for these can "now be submitted" via the Register Online link, and the 2026 contest registrations are available online. If you are planning for the next show cycle, the site directs visitors to "come back in September 2027 to register for contests and competitions."
Steps to Register
- Go to the official site (pumpkinshow.com) and locate the Registrations section in the navigation or the "Register Online" prompt on the homepage.
- Follow the registration link to the online sign-up form.
- Complete the form for your specific contest (Little Miss, baby judging, or parade entry).
- Submit before the posted deadline for your contest year.
Expected result: Your entry is submitted online; confirm any follow-up instructions on the registration page, since the site does not list per-contest eligibility rules or fees in the available text.
Timing to Watch
- 2026 contest registrations: available online now (per the site's banner).
- Next general contest registration window: September 2027.
- The Show itself runs October 20–23, 2027 (always the third Wednesday through Saturday in October).
Official Pin Contest: Submitting a Design
The pin contest is separate from parade and judging registration. The site invites visitors to "submit your original design for the 2026 Circleville Pumpkin Show Official Pin."
Steps to Enter
- From the homepage or the Pin Contest navigation item, open the pin contest info link.
- Review the submission details on that page (the site points to "more info" via the link).
- Submit your original design through the provided online entry.
Key condition: The design must be your original work, per the site's wording. The available page text does not specify format requirements, age limits, or prizes, so check the linked info page before submitting.
Quick Comparison
| Item | What it covers | How to enter | Timing signal on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contest registration | Little Miss Pumpkin Show, baby judging, parades | Online registration link | 2026 registrations open; reopen September 2027 for next cycle |
| Pin contest | 2026 Official Pin design | Online design submission | Tied to 2026 Show; see linked info page |
Common Snags
- Wrong cycle: The homepage mixes 2026 contest messaging with 2027 Show dates. Match your entry to the correct year before submitting.
- Missing details: Eligibility, deadlines, and fees are not spelled out in the site text shown; use the "more info" links on each contest page rather than assuming.
- Pin contest is not registration: Entering the pin design contest does not register you for parades or judging — these are separate forms.
For anything beyond sign-up, the site's Contact page is the listed route to reach the organization.