With the class representatives chosen and the preparations complete, the stage is set for the 1997 Miss Pumpkin Show contest.

Wednesday night, 12 area juniors and seniors from six area high schools will compete for the traditional title. The young ladies will be featured in the annual parade at 8 p.m. and continue to the West Main Street stage for judging in the presence of hundreds of supportive classmates, friends and family.

Upon being crowned, the queen and her court will join the Little Miss Pumpkin Show royalty for the remaining five parades. The ladies will continue to represent "The Greatest Free Show on Earth" at festivals around the state throughout the year. Circleville Sunrise Rotary will sponsor the contest and the B-Team of Michael Bandy, Amy Barnes and Jason Bailey, disc jockeys from K-95, WHOK FM radio, will be the judges.

Last year's reigning court consisting of Queen Lindsey Logan of Circleville, first attendant Cassy Iery of Logan Elm and second attendant Bethany Morris of Westfall will welcome the new ladies to the spotlight among spirited and anxious spectators.