CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Molly Miller, a junior at Logan Elm High School, is running for Miss Pumpkin Show this year. She shared her thoughts on the festival, her personal journey, and what the competition means to her in the following Q&A:
Q: What does the Pumpkin Show mean to you personally, and how has it shaped your life growing up here?
A: “Well, I didn’t truly grow up in Circleville, since I moved here in 7th grade. However, my family has always lived here, so I’ve been coming to the Pumpkin Show ever since I was born. I would usually just come down for one day, and because I didn’t know any kids my age, I would always hang out with my family, and I had the best time. My family is a big part of my life, and being able to share and create those memories with them every year has been my favorite thing. Before I moved, I always wished I lived in Circleville so that I could experience the whole week of the Pumpkin Show. Now living here in Circleville, I go all day, every day, and it’s so special! The Pumpkin Show has definitely made me appreciate the time I spend with people and become a big part of my life.”
Q: If you were describing the Pumpkin Show to someone who’s never been, what would you tell them?
A: “I would tell them that the Pumpkin Show is really just a community gathering where everyone comes together to reconnect. When I walk around with my family, we stop every few steps because we see someone we know and haven’t seen in a long time, or since the last Pumpkin Show! I know the community aspect is very important to a lot of people since the locals of Circleville have been going there their whole lives, too. I would also tell them about the traditions, because there are so many things that happen at the Pumpkin Show that have been going on for decades! For example, this is the 100th anniversary of the pet parade, which I think is so cool that 100 years ago, people in Circleville were doing the same thing we’re doing today!”
Q: What’s your favorite Pumpkin Show tradition, and why?
A: “My favorite Pumpkin Show tradition is probably the parades and the floats people decorate to go in the parades. I think my all-time favorite part about the Pumpkin Show has to be the floats, since they’re all so creative and different. I specifically love the Boy Scouts float with the zip-line sort of thing. When I was little, I always wanted to get on that float and try out the zipline. I also just love the parades in general, with all the music and the dancing and seeing the queens from different festivals dressed up. When I was little, the queens in their big gowns were so mesmerizing, and I loved looking at them, so it’s so fun to be in the same position as the girls I admired when I was little!”
Q: What’s a personal accomplishment you are most proud of, and how does it reflect who you are?
A: “I’m very proud of my mental comeback after tearing my ACL at the beginning of my freshman year. It was a very hard setback because my entire life up to that point was based around running from sporting event to sporting event. I was very upset and discouraged because for the first week I couldn’t even get out of bed, and I kept thinking that I’d never get back to how I was, but slowly, with physical therapy, I got stronger. It was hard not being able to physically see progress. But, after every appointment, there was strength and mobility progress, which motivated me to work harder, since the harder I worked, the faster I could be back to normal. This has been a big factor in shaping my life. Whenever I’m in a tough situation, I think back to what that experience was like, and I’m able to push through. It’s also made me a more grateful and humble person because I know how fast the things you love can be taken away from you. Looking back, I wouldn’t have the mindset I have today if I hadn’t gone through that humbling experience, so I’m ultimately grateful for the realization that I can’t make sports my whole life.”
Q: Who inspires you most, and what lesson have you learned from them?
A: “My family inspires me the most because they are very hardworking while also making time for each other. I don’t think I’ve ever had a game where there wasn’t at least one of my family members there to support me. I love spending time with them and learning new things from them, and they are who I aspire to be like in the future. The most important lesson I’ve learned from them is not to worry about what others think and only worry about what the people I care about think. This has helped me be more confident in myself because I already know my family is proud of me, so I don’t have to worry about changing myself to appeal to everyone else.”
Q: What’s your favorite pumpkin-flavored treat at the show?
A: “Pumpkin pie is definitely my favorite pumpkin-flavored treat. It’s very basic, but you can’t go wrong with a classic pumpkin pie, especially with lots of whipped cream!”
Q: What’s the funniest or most memorable Pumpkin Show experience you’ve ever had?
A: “Every year at the Pumpkin Show is memorable for me, so it’s really hard to choose just one time! I’ve done something new and fun every year that makes the year special and different from the previous years. No matter what year it is, I always have a good time when I hang out with my family and friends, being able to laugh and enjoy the week with people I love!”
Q: Why do you want to be Miss Pumpkin Show, and what would it mean to you to win?
A: “I feel very honored to represent my school in the Miss Pumpkin Show contest, especially because my mom, grandma, and great-grandmothers did the same thing when they were in high school. So, I would love to be Miss Pumpkin Show to not only represent Circleville, but also as a memento to my family. It would mean the world to me if I won because I would get the chance to spread news about the loving community that I got to come into 5 years ago to other people all over Ohio!”
Q: What advice would you give a younger girl who dreams of running for Miss Pumpkin Show someday?
A: “Some advice I would give is to not give up on their dreams because anything can happen! You need to be a friendly face and be an encouraging peer inside and outside of school. Plus, lots of confidence, without being arrogant, is key!”
Molly will compete alongside other candidates for the 2025 Miss Pumpkin Show crown, taking part in the Wednesday Night Parade on October 15 before competing for Queen at Pumpkin Show Park.
