The crowning of Miss Pumpkin Show is one of the most highly anticipated events of the festival each year. Twelve candidates from local high schools, selected by their classmates, will compete for the title of 2004 Miss Pumpkin Show.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, the 2003 Miss Pumpkin Show MaLeah Thornton and her court, Kelly Skidmore and Cassi Slone, will savor their last ride as Pumpkin Show royalty. After the parade, the trio will crown the new Miss Pumpkin Show court.

Three of the six junior and six senior candidates will join the Little Miss Pumpkin Show court for the remaining five parades. 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 Pumpkin Show, who would it be and why?' and 'Describe your most memorable Pumpkin Show experience.'