With only one day left to savor her reign as the 2000 Miss Pumpkin Show queen, Logan Elm graduate Makiah Maxson is filled with mixed emotions as she prepares to crown the 95th festival queen. She and her court will take their last ride on the Pumpkin Show float tomorrow at 8 p.m. Among those competing for the title are a junior and senior candidate from each of the six area schools: Amanda-Clearcreek, Circleville, Logan Elm, Teays Valley, Westfall and Zane Trace. Only three young ladies - a queen and first and second attendants, will have the honor of representing "The Greatest Free Show on Earth" during the next 12 months.

To determine just how popular the Miss Pumpkin Show contest has become during the years, look no farther than the high school hallways and the Scioto Street stage Wednesday night. Signs, T-shirts and other hand-crafted items have been created to show support for each of the ladies in tomorrow's competition.

Following Wednesday's evening parade, Maxson, joined by first attendant Renee Colangeli and second attendant Jenny Lust, both of Circleville High School, will end their reign during the ceremonial crowning of the new court. The newly selected queen and her court will join the Little Miss Pumpkin Show queen and attendants for Thursday's parade and continue to represent their town and the festival at events throughout the upcoming year.

For the fourth year, the contest is sponsored by Circleville Sunrise Rotary.

Along with a brief biography and information about plans after high school, The Herald asked candidates to answer two questions: "If you could invite anyone to the Pumpkin Show, who would it be and why?" and "Describe your most memorable Pumpkin Show experience."