Hurricane Helene impacts Pumpkin Show
WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
The King and Queen Contest was held on Wednesday, September 25 which was the only dry evening of the 121st Annual Pumpkin Show. Named to the Pumpkin Show Court for 2024 were: 2nd Runner up- Cooper Hon from Switzerland Co. High School, 1st Runner up-Christian Mack from Oldenburg Academy, and King Nathan Cole Parker from Lawrenceburg High School. Ellie Lauber was crowned queen from South Ripley High School, 1st runner up- Veronica King from Batesville High School, and 2nd runner up- Isabel Pearson from South Dearborn High School.
Thursday evening Rowynn Moses of Jac-Cen-Del took the Princess title with Jameson Munchel of St. Louis Parochial School being crowned Prince. Their court included 2nd runners up Harper Powell of Milan and Brayton Malcomb of South Ripley; 1st runners up Samantha (Sam) Sciutto of Batesville and Liam Walter of Jac-Cen-Del.
Devastation from Hurricane Helene was felt across many states this past weekend and Ripley County was not immune.
The rains and winds started coming in Thursday evening with a mist just after the Prince and Princess Contest was held on stage at 7 p.m. and really didn’t give much of a break for the remainder of the Pumpkin Show.
The weather closed the Versailles Pumpkin Show on Friday and left Saturday morning with a skeletal parade. Bands began to cancel on Friday knowing they couldn’t risk their instruments, along with many other floats that would not have survived a rainy day. For the first time the Prince and Princess Float, sponsored by Ripley Publishing Co., was not in the parade. “We wouldn’t take a chance on the kids who are all first graders, getting hurt,” noted Wanda Burnett.
For those who braved the weather, it was a day that will be remembered, full of coverings of all sorts from umbrellas to a hat or scarf. There were a few who watched the parade and were rewarded with candy and prizes.
According to Versailles Lions Club Facebook Page the Best Float was a tie between Michael Eddy’s Pizza & Specialty Sandwiches and The Napoleon State Bank. Youth Organization 1st place was South Ripley FFA and 2nd place South Ripley Seniors. Religious Organization first place went to Shelby Christian Church, who had an ark, which many thought was quite appropriate for the day, and second place went to Legacy Assembly of God. Organizational Float first place went to Tyson Library and 2nd place to Right to Life. Agri-Business Float first place went to Zimmer Tractor and Business Float 1st place went to Beck Properties Group and 2nd place to Franklin’s Auction Service.
The big pumpkins were weighed as usual after the parade with Jerry Walker growing a 1000.5 lb. pumpkin that took first place, Jim Gunther having a 740.5 lb. pumpkin for second place and Jerry Walker coming in third with his 562.5 lb. pumpkin. The heaviest youth pumpkin grown was by Allison Adams with a 53.0-pound pumpkin, according to the Versailles Lions Club.
Sunday Drive and Texas Star bands were on tap to play for Saturday night, but things were shut down way ahead of band time. The Versailles Lions Club Facebook noted they will be back next year.
Editor’s Note: As we get information about the Pumpkin Show we will publish it.
