First Attendant Rachel Allen
Queen Tia Marie
Second Teratia Southward
(From Left to Right)

By SHAUNA FOUT
The Herald

When Logan Elm junior Tia Marie Jean was asked by judges to recall her most memorable moment, little did she know it was yet to come.

Jean was announced the 1997 Miss Pumpkin Show Queen within minutes of questioning the top six Miss Pumpkin Show finalists. Representing the Pumpkin Show along with Jean for the 1997 season will be first attendant and Circleville junior, Rachel Allen, as well as second attendant and Teays Valley senior Teratia Southward.

"I’m so excited," Jean said. "This is such an honor."

To prepare for the contest, Jean said she worked with several friends and family members.

"I concentrated on (answering) the questions out loud, and being myself - which was very important."

Jean said she was honored to be selected by her classmates, and that she is most looking forward to the parades she will attend in the upcoming year.

"I already know the first and second attendants, so we’ll get to know each other even better," Jean said.

Allen said being named to Pumpkin Show royalty is a dream come true.

"I feel great," she said. "This is really exciting."

In preparing for the evening, Allen said she studied the history of the Pumpkin Show and prepared herself for questions that may be asked by the judges.

"It was an honor in itself to be representing my school," Allen said, "let alone get something in the Pumpkin Show."

Allen said she is most looking forward to traveling to other festivals and representing the Pumpkin Show.

"It’s great," Southward said. "The most exciting part of the evening was when I heard my friends yelling my name through the parade."

She said she, too, is looking forward to riding in the parades and visiting the different festivals during the course of the year.

The queen and her court received a silver tray, crown, sash, watch and a monetary gift as part of their gift package. In addition, Jean received a pin designed especially for Miss Pumpkin Show and gift certificates from local merchants.