First Attendant Avery DeLong
Queen Alexis Detty
Second Attendant Madison Porter
(From Left to Right)

By MELISSA BENZEL
The Herald

Naturally the parade is one of the most exciting aspects of the Little Miss Pumpkin Show contest and that's what Alexis Detty said was her favorite part.

Alexis was chosen out of the 156 first graders to be crowned 2005 Little Miss Pumpkin Show Wednesday afternoon.

Alexis's court includes First Attendant Avery DeLong of Circleville and Second Attendant Madison Porter of Circleville.

Alexis, the six-year-old daughter of Michelle Cleavenger of Ashville and Sigel Detty of Circleville, said she picked out her fall-themed outfit herself. After the announcement that she was named Little Miss she gave a big smile.

"I'm so excited," she said.

Alexis attends Ashville Elementary School and was sponsored by Hummel and Plum Insurance.

Alexis' Second Attendant shared her enthusiasm.

"I feel great," said Madison.

Madison, the six-year-old daughter of Trisha and Matt Porter of Circleville, said she really didn't prepare for the contest and was just looking forward to riding in the parade.

"I didn't know I was going to do this (talk to judges) so I just acted like myself," she said.

For Avery seeing all the people she knew as she rode in the parade was the best part of the day.

Avery is the six-year-old daughter of Amy and Dave DeLong of Circleville. She said she was looking forward to all the other parades she'll be part of.

"I'm just going to wave and smile and have fun," she said.

Avery attends Atwater Elementary School and was sponsored by Rhoades Farm Market.

This was the first year Pumpkin Show sponsored the Little Miss contest. Each participant was given a Pumpkin Show pin for participating.

The winners each received a gift basket filled with gifts from the following contributors: LandAmerica Lawyers Title, As We Grow, Block's Shoes, Uniquely Yours, The Savings Bank, Donatos Pizza, Treasure Isle, Something Different, Classicutters, Maggie & Me, The Movie House, Tink's Restaurant, Dickey-Beckley Team Realtors Wittichs Candy Shop, Market on Main & Deli, Citizens Land Title, HER Real Living and American Cancer Society of Pickaway County.