The Circleville Pumpkin Show began in the fall of 1903 when Mayor George Haswell invited area farmers to display the fruits of their harvest on the streets of Circleville. Supported vigorously by the town's business interests, the event endured 100 years, though it was postponed for three years during the two World Wars. That same spirit continued to move the citizens of Pickaway County in preparing for the annual October event, which attracts over 400,000 visitors to the small community each year. The Circleville Pumpkin Show gained worldwide attention and acclaim and came to be considered one of the major festivals in the United States, drawing visitors from all 50 states and many foreign countries.