MARION, OH – The Marion Popcorn Festival board is deep in planning for their 29^th event.  A part of that is the Festival’s Orville Redenbacher Parade, which will once again step off at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10^th.  

The theme for 2009 event is The Big Pop Sails the Seven Seas.  Parade Chairman Mary Dutton indicated parade entry forms won’t be mailed until about June.  “However, we know,” said Dutton, “that many like to begin planning their float early so as to get a jump on the ‘competition’.  Therefore, we try to set a theme early.   

“We always look for a theme that allows for a lot of creativity,” continued Dutton, “as we feel this provides the basis for a great entry.” Dutton also said this year the entry fee per unit will again be $20.00.  

“We feel that even in these tough economic times, the entry fee is still low enough that it won’t become a burden on anyone,” said Dutton.  “The fee this year will cover as many vehicles as necessary for the entry with no additional charge to the initial $20.00 – and there’s again no limit on the number of passengers.” 

Dutton indicated the basic rules from last year will apply in 2009.   The parade route will remain the same as in previous years.  Beginning on East Center Street at Forest Lawn Boulevard, it will continue down East Center Street to State to Church to Main, and disband at the top of the hill.