Despite the rainy weather, the Versailles Pumpkin Show, organized by the Versailles Lions Club, did not disappoint. The event was held on the Ripley County County Courthouse Square in Versailles from Sept. 25 through Sept. 28. The four-day event was jam-packed with activities and some friendly competitions, including the Versailles Pumpkin Show Parade Float competition and Giant Pumpkin Contest. 

Parade Float 

Winners

Best Float

Tie between Michael Eddy’s Pizza and Specialty Sandwiches and Napoleon State Bank

Youth Organization

First place: South Ripley FFA

Second place: South Ripley Seniors

Religious 

Organization

First place: Shelby Christian Church

Second place: Legacy Assembly of God

Organization Float

First place: Tyson Library

Second place: Right to Life

Agri-Business

First place: Zimmer Tractor

Business Float

First place: Beck Properties Group

Second place: Franklin’s Auction Service

Giant Pumpkin 

Winners

Heaviest Pumpkin

First place: Jerry Walker - 1000.5lbs

Second place: Jim Gunther - 740.5lbs

Third place: Jerry Walker - 562.5lbs

Heaviest Pumpkin Youth

First place: Allison Adams - 53.0lbs

History of Versailles

Pumpkin Show

The Versailles Pumpkin Show was the brainchild of Alfred H. Beer, the enterprising Versailles jeweler. Beer was eternally thinking of some advertising scheme for his jewelry business. In 1889, he topped all his former ideas by starting a “Pumpkin Show.” Other neighboring towns have tried to emulate his baby but always failed.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, 1899, A.H. staged his first show, and he promised five prizes. Prize winners were: Geo. W. Watkins, from Elrod, won a gold-filled watch for the heaviest pumpkin, it weighed 74 pounds, 5 ounces; second prize went to Henry Stegemiller, whose pumpkin was a 68 pounder, his prize was a gravy ladle; Christ Thomas, of Cross Plains won 3rd with a 64 pound pumpkin, he received six teaspoons; Thomas E. Wilson, Osgood native, won 4th, a fine clock, his pumpkin measured 5 feet and 3 inches in circumference; Ugliest Pumpkin winner was Henry Ballman of Versailles, he was rewarded with a violin.

Beer continued promoting the show each year until 1907, when the merchants of Versailles, finally realizing its merits, got together and staged the annual show. If you believe the old newspapers, each succeeding year drew the largest crowd ever. Farm products, flower arrangements, fancy sewing, culinary skills, and other handicrafts were judged for prizes. Later, parades were staged, and each year, these became a larger crowd draw. Finally, commercial rides were added, much to the delight of the younger set. Lastly, a big “Pumpkin Show Saturday Night Dance” added to the fun. An annual art show is a yearly event today.

For many years, neighboring town businessmen sponsored aerial acts, stage acts, etc, which were enjoyed by the crowd. This all stemmed from A.H. Beer’s little business scheme and is one of the longest-running shows in the state. 

The history of the Versailles Pumpkin Show was provided by www.versaillespumpkinshow.com.