Where did the time go? Just a year ago, on October 19th, 2022, I heard the phrase, “The 2022, Miss Pumpkin Show Queen, Jaycie Spires!” for the first time. It just doesn’t get better than that. If you were there, walking along the streets or standing in front of the stage you would have seen a swarm of hot pink shirts with my face on them. Yes, hot pink! I know, I know, not a very traditional pumpkin show and fall festive color, but I did stand out! That’s who I am, someone who stands out! I am Jaycie Spires, the first female varsity wrestler at Amanda Clearcreek, a pilot in training, an academic weapon, and 2020 Arnold’s Strongest Teen Champion. But I am also Jaycie Spires, the captain of the cheer team, a sister, a small town girl and The 2022 Miss Circleville Pumpkin Show Queen. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to meet so many amazing courts and share The Pumpkin Show with people all across Ohio! I encourage every one of you to invite your friends and family along to The Greatest Free Show on Earth!
To begin my list of thank you’s I would like to start with Jeanne Radcliff, the amazing woman who volunteers her time to make the dreams of these pumpkin show candidates come true! She taught me everything I needed to know about the pumpkin show, from the way I walk and talk, to the fact that a pumpkin IS a fruit! I would like to express my gratitude for the help of my awesome mammaw, Stephaine Herron, and momma, Ashley Spires, these women have been by my side since birth. I am forever grateful for what they do. Lastly, I would like to mention my father, while he was not here to see me crowned or give this speech, Jace Spires gave his life to save mine and he will always be my hero. These people gave me the support and confidence I needed to own every room I enter and every stage I walk across. Truly, being queen would not have been possible without the help of every single one of you.
I would like to thank Rob and Calee, for they have been my court’s chauffeurs, bodyguards and snack suppliers. They make everything we want possible. As most of you know, Rob and Calee put their every second into making the Pumpkin Show as wonderful as it is, they are the ones turning the knobs behind the curtains! My court would agree when I say that Rob and Calee have become family to us! Thank you Circleville for every opportunity you have presented to me and especially, thank you Rob!
To my court:
Thank you for all the laughs, 123’s and endless support this past year. You will always be my p-show gals!
Miss Destiny Doan, You are my right hand woman. Whether I need a crown adjustment, quick morning coffee or superglue for a broken heel, you’ve got my back. Throughout the year you have been my personal comedian, photographer and coffee shop date. “Desi Donut”, you are an impressive young woman and your intelligence will always amaze me. I am so lucky to have a friend like you.
Miss Molly Prochaska,
Zane Trace, what’s that? Although the rest of the crowd may never know where you came from,
you will always be “marty proheska” in my heart. You’re the sipper to my chugger and quite frankly you are the most beautiful, free spirited, and athletic girl boss I have ever had the chance to meet. A year later and yet I am still trying to find a time to fit into your schedule! You put your heart into everything you do and I am so excited to see what you make of your future.
Thank you for the most wonderful year of love, support and memories! I have had the honor of representing the village of Amanda as well as the city of Circleville throughout my reign as queen, and I can proudly say that I would not trade it for the world! This community has made a huge impact on my life and I will carry The Circleville Pumpkin Show with me wherever I may go.
Every new beginning must come from another beginning’s end, so for the final time, I am
Jaycie Spires, 2022 Miss Circleville Pumpkin Show Queen.
