By JOHN HOWLEY
The Herald

There were 12 girls and one crown Wednesday night.

When the judges made their final decision, the crown designating the 1996 Miss Pumpkin Show was placed upon Lindsey Logan.

"I was just so excited when my name was called. It's a dream come true," Logan said. "I was just so excited to make the top six, that in itself was really an honor. We were all holding each others hands and just praying. I really didn't think it was going to be me. I didn't feel very confident in my answer."

The 17-year-old senior from Circleville High School will be serving as this year's Miss Pumpkin Show along with First Attendant Cassy Iery and Second Attendant Bethany Morris.

Iery is a 17-year-old junior from Logan Elm and Morris is a 17-year-old senior from Westfall.

"I was very excited, I couldn't believe it," Iery said. "I'm just happy that I was chosen by my school and then to get picked for the top six and now I'm in the top three. I'm overwhelmed."

"I was very surprised and very honored by the judges for giving me this opportunity," Morris said. "I'd like to thank my classmates because they gave me a chance to be here tonight. I feel like its a dream come true. I've come since I was a little baby and now I'm a senior in high school and it's a dream come true, that's the only way to describe it."

Logan said she took a simple approach to Wednesday's competition. "Tonight, I was just trying to be myself and I was hoping that it would work but I didn't think it would work this well," she said. "I wasn't too nervous until I heard all the people out here when I was getting ready to come out on stage then I got so nervous. My stomach was just churning. I ate a whole bag of Tums I think by the time I got out here."

Being Miss Pumpkin Show involves more than just the next three days and Logan is excited about the opportunities the title brings.

"I'm really looking forward to going to other festivals and meeting new people," Logan said. "I'm really happy to represent the Circleville Pumpkin Show, it's a big honor."

Logan will receive a tiara and a silver pin designed especially for Miss Pumpkin Show.

Logan will also receive a $100 gift certificate from Christopher's Don Boutique, a $100 gift certificate from Sharff's, a $50 gift certificate from Block's Shoes, a gift certificate from Maria Melvin Photography, a gift package from Donna Patrick at the Hair Gallery, a pumpkin pendant from E.M. Smith Jewelers and a sterling silver charm bracelet from Pickaway Plains Ambulance Service.

Iery and Morris will receive tiaras from Burton's Jewelry, gift certificates from Maria Melvin Photography and silver charm bracelets from Pickaway Plains Ambulance Service.

Each of the three receives flowers, banners and trays from the Pumpkin Show committee.

The contest was judged by WNCI morning show personalities Kim Zandy and Jimmy Jam and photographer Ralph Geno from Westerville.

Preliminary judging was done during dinner at J.R. Hooks with the final judging done after the Wednesday night parade at the West Main Street platform.

Each contestant was given a pewter pumpkin charm at the dinner.

Logan, Iery and Morris will be chaperoned throughout the year by Clarence and Mary Radcliffe.

The contest was sponsored by Sunrise Rotary with Diane Dumm chairing the event assisted by Connie Campbell, Glenda Mullett and Tom Hill.

Miss Pumpkin Show Lindsey Logan

Lindsey is the daughter of Larry and Sheryl Logan of Circleville.

At Circleville, she is the senior class president, vice president of the NationalHonor Society, varsity cheerleading captain, sergeant at arms of the Key Club, member of the Student Council, Swing Choir and Pickaway County Honors Choir. She is a member of the Community United Methodist Church and has been nominated for "Who's Who Among American High School Students.

After high school, Logan plans to attend Denison University or Otterbien College and study communications.

What Logan likes about Pumpkin Show: "I like Pumpkin Show because it is fun to see friends who have gone to college or people you don't run into every day."

How Logan feels about being selected to represent her school: "I am really honored that I have been given the chance to represent Circleville High School."

1st Attendant Cassy Irey

Cassy is the daughter of Chet and Cathy Irey of Circleville.

At Logan Elm, she is a three-year member of the tennis team, active in Students Against Drunk Driving, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (which is working for Habitat for Humanity) and is the vice president of Business Professionals of America. She is a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church and has been a guest soloist at serveral local churches. She also has been involved onstage and backstage with Roundtown Players Theater. She is on the Skandha yearbook staff and is employed at the Country Peddler.

After high school, Irey plans to continue her education at the Bradford School and work her way into an executive position.

What Irey likes about the Pumpkin Show: "I love the way friends and family comr together to experience the excitement of Pumpkin Show. No matter what your age, there is enjoyment for everyone."

How Irey feels about being selected to represent her school: "Representing Logan Elm High School a the Pumpkin Show is a Dream Come True. I feel so privileged and happy that my school has confidence in me. With my family and friends there to encourage me, I will try my best to make everyone proud."

2nd Attendant Bethany Morris

Bethany is the daughter of Denny and Kathy Morris of Mount Sterling.

At weatfall, she is on the Student Council, treasurer of the senior class, staff editor of the The Echo newspaper and staff editor of the yearbook. She is a varsity cheerleader, varsity cross country runner, field commander for the marching band, the swing choir and Pickaway County Honors Choir. She is treasurer of the marching band, president of the Methodist Young Fellowship group. She has been in the high school musicals, works as the front desk clerk at Deercreek Lodge and Resort and is dance teacher at the Hometown Dance Studio.

After high school, Morris plans to attend either Cincinnati or Miami University to study secondary music education or journalism/broadcasting.

What Morris likes about the Pumpkin Show: "Whenever I tell someone that I'm from Circleville, the first thing they ask is 'Is that where the Pumpkin Show is?' It is as if everyone in other towns looks at Circleville as a place of good community and they wish they could be part of it too. So I always answer proudly, 'It's the Greatest Free Show on Earth,' and the feeling of pride last all year long."

How Morris feels about being selected to represent her school: "This opportunity was given to me by my friends and my classmates and their confidence in me makes me want to do the best I can. This is my chance to show just how much Westfall means to me and to show our county how much we love the Pumpkin Show."