Gary Holdsworth is Grand Marshal of 2025 Pumpkin Show Parade
Gary Holdsworth
Gary Holdsworth, long-time educator and resident of Versailles, has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Pumpkin Show Parade set for Sat., September 27.
Patsy and Gary Holdsworth arrived in Versailles in May 1967, when they began a teaching career at South Ripley Community Schools that lasted 32 years. In that amount of time, Mr. and Mrs. H, as they were fondly called, taught many students, and formed close relationships with many families in the southeastern Indiana community. As teachers, they eventually began having children of former students, and in their retirement years when they continued to help in schools, they even had grandchildren of former students.
Mr. Holdsworth has been a Versailles Lions Club member for 57 years. One of his primary roles in the Lions Club since retiring from teaching has been putting the bands in order at the starting line of the parade. There is a process to it that parade watchers may not realize. The South Ripley High School Band always leads the parade, and the Junior High Band leads the second half of the parade. The other area bands, usually about eight other local schools, take turns falling into place from second to the final band each year. The bands are also assigned special bus parking and warm up space, all coordinated by Lions Club members under the direction of Gary Holdsworth. “Spacing out the bands throughout the parade makes for an entertaining variety,” commented Mr. Holdsworth.
Before their retirement, the Holdsworths spent countless hours on the square during the Pumpkin Show. The South Ripley Band Boosters Pizza Booth served pizza which not only provided a delicious treat, but also allowed alumni a chance to stop in and visit. The Young Confederates, a singing group created and led by Mrs. Holdsworth, always kicked off the Pumpkin Show entertainment each year, and then performed again on Saturday afternoon. The Junior High Band led the Prince and Princess Parade on Thursday night and both bands marched in the big parade on Saturday. The majorettes and flag corps, led by Mrs. H, were entertaining along with each band performance. Mrs. Holdsworth also assisted with the Tri Kappa Art Show held at the Courthouse during the Pumpkin Show.
The Holdsworths were beloved, master teachers. They were the faces of the South Ripley Music program. They influenced and inspired countless lives through their teaching and mentoring, instilling values in their students like a strong work ethic, confidence, and teamwork, all while creating a love of music. Their lives have been a musical legacy spanning all genres of music. Students were drawn to the music program because of their talent, as well as their genuine caring and concern. They created a true partnership for success and collaborated to create a routine that promoted both choral and instrumental music.
Under their direction, South Ripley’s band and choir programs encompassed a majority of the student body. Through their years at South Ripley, the band and choir presented at least 64 concerts, while individual students and groups competed at state solo and ensemble contests yearly both vocally and instrumentally.
South Ripley bands marched in all of the local parades…the Versailles Pumpkin Show was the bands’ showcase event. They also marched in the Aurora Farmers Fair, Canaan Fall Festival, Halloween and Memorial Day parades to name a few. They also participated in Cincinnati Reds Opening Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Cincinnati as well as taking many trips to Washington DC and New York. Mr. Holdsworth led the pep band at all the ballgames. Fans remember the spirited songs like Sweet Georgia Brown, Saints in Concert, and the Final Countdown.
The Holdsworths’ influence in the Versailles community reaches far beyond the Pumpkin Show. Their strong faith and devoted stewardship led them to a 52 year membership at Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles, where she served as pianist and he as choir director. They also partnered to serve together as they directed cantatas and performed special music. They have played in countless weddings and helped families honor loved ones at funerals.
The Holdsworths have two very successful sons, Scott and Brian. Scott is a teacher at Greensburg High School. He is married to Kara, and they have three sons and daughters-in-law, Macy and Rachel, Chancey and McKinley, and Brandon and Lindsey Seabolt and five grandchildren. Brian is a director and owner of Anytime Fitness in the Indianapolis area. He is married to Stacy, and they have two children Jocelyn and Braden.
As he serves as Grand Marshal for the Pumpkin Show Parade, Gary Holdsworth exemplifies the Lions code of ethics which emphasizes honest work, fair dealings, loyalty, and community responsibility. His 57 years in this club and his life in our community are a living tribute to those ideals. The Versailles Lions Club appreciates his dedicated service.
