Festival was brainchild of Versailles jeweler in the 1800's
(VERSAILLES, Ind.) -- The popular Versailles Pumpkin Show returns to the Ripley County courthouse square this weekend.
The longtime festival began way back in 1899 when local jeweler Alfred Beer came up with an advertising idea for his business. He promised five prizes to whomever brought the biggest pumpkins.
:Beer continued promoting the show each year until 1907 when the merchants of Versailles, finally realizing its merits, got together and stage the annual show. If you believe the old newspapers, each succeeding year drew the largest crowd ever," according to the Versailles Pumpkin Show website.
Nowadays, the annual festival features rides, contests, music, a parade and other activities starting on Wednesday, September 27 and lasting through Sunday.
The pumpkin weighing competition will take place around 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.
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