CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – The Circleville Pumpkin Show, known for celebrating local traditions and community spirit, found itself at the center of political tensions this week. The nonprofit organization issued a statement on Thursday clarifying its stance amid political visits, stating, “Circleville Pumpkin Show Inc. has been made aware of a visit to the area by Bernie Moreno. While we welcome all visitors to the Circleville Pumpkin Show, we want to clarify that this visit is not associated with Circleville Pumpkin Show Inc. in any way. As a community event, we remain focused on celebrating our local traditions and are not engaging in any political activities or endorsements.”
Despite this commitment to neutrality, political activities continued to unfold. Both the Republican and Democratic parties were allowed to set up booths at the show, distributing political merchandise such as signs, apparel, and gear. While these booths were in predesignated areas, political tensions escalated beyond the allotted spaces, resulting in an arrest.
In a pointed response to Moreno’s Friday visit, local Democrats erected a 20-foot inflatable “Fat Cat” near 225 South Court Street, with several Democratic candidates, including Ohio House hopeful Brad Cotton, posing in front of it to mock the event.
The situation escalated on Saturday when a man dressed as Donald Trump, complete with a facemask and a speaker blasting “YMCA,” began dancing at the intersection of Franklin and Court Street. A confrontation ensued when a Democratic supporter from a nearby booth approached him. After an exchange of words, the situation turned physical when the individual allegedly grabbed the Trump impersonator by the buttocks and made a comment on him not wearing a diaper.
The impersonator, later identified as having no ties to local Republicans, called the police, leading to the arrest of 65-year-old Craig Willis on charges of sexual imposition due to having the assault on video. He was taken to Pickaway County Jail.
Following the incident, the Pumpkin Show sought to have the Trump impersonator removed from the premises. However, discussions about First Amendment rights and the threat of legal action led law enforcement to advise him to remain peaceful and avoid blocking parade routes.
This isn’t the first time the local Democrat Party has caused issues In July the party mocked Former President Trump when he was shot during an attempted assassination attempt. That story below
This was not the first visit from Moreno to the Pumpkin Show; he attended last year without incident. The stark contrast in atmosphere raises questions about the political climate surrounding this year’s event. As the Pumpkin Show continues, the community reflects on how political tensions have altered the spirit of this beloved tradition.
