First Attendant Brittney Oberley
Queen Jessica Newman
Second Attendant Leslie Hastings
(From Left to Right)

By KATRINA SEYMOUR
The Herald

Twelve eager Little Miss Pumpkin Show semifinalists waited for their second turn on the stage. Legs kicked, hands waved at overjoyed parents, ruffles were smoothed and hair patted into place as the judges made their way to each girl, asking questions, deciding who would reign as Little Miss 91st Pumpkin Show.

The judges took longer than years past to make their decision. Finally, more than two hours after the beginning of the competition, it was final: Jessica Newman, Laurelville Elementary, sponsored by The Village Cafe, was crowned Little Miss Pumpkin Show. Her blond ringlets and the smile that never ceased for the entire competition won them over.

Jessica's first attendant was Britteny Oberly, Atwater Elementary, sponsored by Shastar Rent-to-Own. Second attendant is Leslie Hastings, Scioto Elementary, sponsored by her school.

The girls will represent Circleville and the Pumpkin Show all over Ohio in parades at other festivals.

Jessica's parents were ecstatic. "I don't have any words," said her mother, Loretta Neff.

The stepmother who raised Jessica, Mona Ross, agreed. "I was really surprised and I'm real proud of her."

The new Little Miss said her favorite pumpkin food is pie and she also likes pizza. "Smiling and stuff" and "riding through the parade" were her favorite parts of a long day.

To look their finest, the 172 girls were primped and fitted, starting early that morning. Some stifled yawns on stage. It took Elizabeth Williams, Logan Elm, "almost three hours" to get ready, she said. Kayle Langford, Darby Elementary, said it took her 15 minutes to prepare. Haddox was the speediest little miss candidate, saying it took her a mere five seconds to slip into her outfit and fix her hair.

The first little miss contest was held in 1947 with 59 contestants. Last year was a record-setting year for the contest; 190 contestants entered. This year, 172 first-graders vied for the crown. That was narrowed to 34, then the three winners.

Last year's winners had some advice for the new court. First attendant Kaitlin Jones tipped the girls to "take care of their spots (the titles they hold)." She also told them to have fun.

Judges were Connie Walker, Era Accent Realty Inc. from Jackson; Georgina Munn, also from Jackson, who owns a McDonalds restaurant and Janet Williams, Ohio Manufactured Housing Association, Columbus.

Circleville Jaycees sponsored the Little Miss contest. Jay Elsea was chairman. He estimated it takes a month to organize the entries for the contest.

Photos were taken by Maria Melvin. Block's Shoes, As We Grow, Lindsey's Bake Shop, Wittich's Candy Shop, Elsea Inc. and The Hair Gallery all provided prizes for the winners. Hanley Dodge supplied the judge's car.