First Attendant Sara McClaskey
Queen Kacy Walton
Second Attendant Tahnee VanSickle
(From Left to Right)

By SHAUNA GOODHART
The Herald

When asked during last night's Miss Pumpkin Show contest, Teays Valley senior Kacy Walton told judges she would most like to be remembered for her personality. Little did she know at the time she would make the local history books as the 2001 Miss Pumpkin Show queen.

Walton, the daughter of William and Patti Walton of Lockbourne, told judges, "Personality makes the person - not what they look like outside."

Walton said she hopes to represent the festival and her school well during her reign. She was quick to thank her supporters for their generosity as she prepared for last night's competition. However, preparation was something she didn't take too seriously.

"I was just myself - I didn't do anything different than I normally would," she said.

Her strategy proved to be just what the judges were looking for. Walton said her heart began throbbing when she was named the Miss Pumpkin Show queen.

"I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined this would happen," she said. "I am so honored. I don't think I could be happier in my life ... It was the most awesome experience a girl could ever have."

During the next 12 months, Walton and her court will travel to festivals throughout the state representing "The Greatest Free Show On Earth." Joining Walton on that journey will be first attendant Sara McClaskey, Amanda-Clearcreek senior, and second attendant Tahnee VanSickle, Logan Elm junior.

McClaskey, daughter of Terry and Suzi McClaskey of Lancaster, summed up her evening in one word: Awesome.

"It was fun to come up and represent Amanda," she said. "All the girls were so nice tonight."

During the final round of judging, McClaskey was asked who she admired. Her list included her parents and her two sisters.

"They make me who I am," she said.

McClaskey said she is looking forward to getting to know the other members of the court during the next year; she also anticipates promoting The Circleville Pumpkin Show at festivals throughout the state.

When her name was announced, McClaskey said she felt "pure adrenaline."

"For once during the whole night I was actually warm," she joked.

VanSickle, daughter of Tim and Debbie VanSickle of Laurelville, was chosen as the second attendant.

Prior to the contest, VanSickle told The Herald her most memorable Pumpkin Show moment was seeing fellow Logan Elm Brave Makiah Maxson crowned queen last year. It's appears as though VanSickle has a new answer to that question after getting her chance to shine in the orange-tinted spotlight.

"It was very exciting," VanSickle said of her candidacy. "It's the best time I've ever had ... I met many wonderful people."

Before being selected, VanSickle was asked what community service project she would do and why.

"I would do something with the safety of the people; protecting them without taking away their constitutional rights" she answered.

Like McClaskey, VanSickle said she looks forward to getting to know the other members of the Miss Pumpkin Show royalty as the trio heads to festivals during the next year.

The three remaining finalists chosen from the 12 contestants vying for a seat on the Miss Pumpkin Show float included Sonya Caudill, Westfall High School senior; Jenna Martin, Logan Elm High School senior; and Linda Morris, Westfall High School junior.

Judges for the contest were Eileen Hatfield, representative of the Festival of Leaves; Ed Chinn, representative of the Jackson Apple Festival; and Dallas Easterday, representative of the Bratwurst Festival.

The 2001 Miss Pumpkin Show contest was sponsored by the Circleville Sunrise Rotary. Each of the candidates chosen to reign in 2001 received a crown, sash and silver platter. Additional items in Walton's gift package were provided by the following: Renee's Custom Interior Design, Rhonda's Hair Gallery, Bruce List Photography, Circleville-Pickaway Chamber of Commerce, Sharff's, Christopher's don Boutique, Maggie & Me, Block's Shoes, Porter's Dry Cleaning, and Porter's Car Wash.