First Attendant Rachel Barthelmas
Queen Jordyn Hollenbeck
Second Attendant Allie Pontius
(From Left to Right)

By REBECCA McCOWAN
The Herald

Parents, friends and adoring fans huddled together yesterday at the West Main Street stage to watch the crowning of the Little Miss Pumpkin Show. Braving the chilly weather, 162 first grade girls vied for the coveted crown.

Jordyn Hollenbeck, 6, daughter of Eric and Patty Hollenbeck, was designated Little Miss Pumpkin Show. Hollenbeck was sponsored by International Association of Fire Fighters and is a student at Westfall Elementary.

"I really wanted to win, and I finally won," she said, "I'm so happy." Hollenbeck said her favorite time during Pumpkin Show was riding on the car in the parade. After the pageant, she said she might ride some of the rides.

Rachel Barthelmas, 7, daughter of Brian and Harriet Barthelmas, was crowned first attendant. She is a student at Nicholas Drive Elementary School and was sponsored by Barthelmas Plumbing and Roofing.

Barthelmas said she was exited to win and was probably going home to watch television after the pageant. At Pumpkin Show, she most enjoys riding the rides.

Given the title of second attendant was Allie Pontius, 6, daughter of Doug and Kathy Pontius. Pontius is a student at Pickaway Elementary School and said her favorite thing to do at school is eat lunch. She was sponsored by Maggie & Me.

She said she was excited about winning, and the rides are her favorite part of Pumpkin Show.

Members of the outgoing 2001 Little Miss Pumpkin Show court, Randi Bivens, Little Miss Pumpkin Show 2001, Darienne Mareno, first attendant, and Courtney Steinmetz, second attendant, presented prizes and tiaras to the 2002 winners.

Krista Cooper, member of the Pumpkin Show announcing staff, said, "it was just like any other year, there were a lot of cute girls. I donšt know how the judges do it."

While the girls said they were cold, most agreed they were excited to participate. Ali Collins, 6, of Circleville, was among the top 32 candidates and said she liked being in the pageant because she knew a lot of the other girls participating.

The 162 girls were judged in groups of 10, then two semi-finalists were selected from the groups. The judges then chose eight of the remaining 32 girls. Each judge had a short conversation with the girls before declaring the winners.

The pageant judges were Carolyn Stambaugh of Quality Golf, Beth Saari of Junior Achievement and Dawn Bartwell of CTL Engineering Inc. and Cheerleaders of America. Judges' cars were provided by Don Thompson Lincoln Mercury.

The following area merchants donated items for the gift bags presented to the winners: As We Grow, Maggi & Me, Wendy's, Circle D, Donatos, Wittich's, Klipper's Family Hair Care, Shears and EM Smith Jewelers.

The Little Miss Pumpkin Show is sponsored by the Circleville Jaycees.