From a field of 16 contestants, Addison Geiser was named and Miss Wee Pop 2017 during competition held Saturday morning at River Valley High School.

Five-year old Geiser is the daughter of Amber and Ryan Geiser of Hilliard.  She also won her age division in Formal Wear, Swimwear and Photogenic.

First Runner-Up to Miss Wee Pop is Lillian Oswald, the five-year-old daughter of Alicia and Owen Oswald of Marion.  She won her age division in Popcorn Wear. [Read more…]

Nineteen contestants vied for the title of Marion Popcorn Festival’s 2017 Miss Little Wee Pop Princess at River Valley High School Saturday morning. The title was captured by 22-month-old Gracyn Mattox, the daughter of Katie Hoffman and Justin Mattox of Mt. Gilead.  She also won overall honors in Formal Wear and her age division in Popcorn Wear.

Receiving First Runner-Up was Mila Holman, the 9-month-old daughter of Nikole and Matt Holman of Marion.  She also placed first in her age division in both Formal Wear. [Read more…]

Shana DeWet captured the 2017 Miss Teen Popcorn title Saturday evening in festivities at River Valley High School. “I did not think I was going to win,” said the newly crowned DeWet. “This was my first year so I wasn’t sure what to expect.” A slightly overwhelmed DeWet continued, “I’m not sure what to say right now, but I know I’m so incredibility honored to have this title. I can’t wait to see what this journey is going to bring.”

In her new capacity, DeWet will be featured at all Festival activities, including the Festival’s Popcorn Parade and on the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year. [Read more…]

Paytn Smith was chosen Miss Teeny Pop 2017 Saturday during competition at River Valley High School. Smith also took Overall honors in Formalwear and Popcornwear, as well as her age division in Talent with her rendition of “No Strings Attached”. Although not a factor in the outcome of the competition, Smith won an award for most ads sold. The seven-year-old daughter of Jonathan and Tiffany Lechleitner of Marion is in the 2nd grade at Garfield Elementary.

As Miss Teeny Pop, Smith will be featured at all Festival activities, including the Festival’s Popcorn Parade and on the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year. [Read more…]

Crowned the second Mr. Popcorn in competition that took place at River Valley High School Saturday afternoon, Don Bennett entered in response to a challenge from his daughter, Abigail, who was Miss Teeny Pop 2016. “I had to make good on my promise to my daughter,” said Bennett, “that if she worked hard and won Miss Teeny Pop last year I would enter the Mr. Popcorn. What I discovered, though, was that it was a lot of fun … and I would like to challenge other men to compete next year because it truly was a lot of fun.”

Using the 2017 Festival theme “Viva Pop Vega”, Bennett captured the Popcornwear category sporting a full Elvis costume, including white jumpsuit, cape, and the “Elvis” hair. “I have to thank my wife for making the cape with the popcorn material lining,” said Bennett, “and Fuzzy’s for sponsoring my tuxedo.” [Read more…]

The Miss Teeny Pop Pageant will host a Family Photo Day fundraiser on July 9, 2017 at the American Red Cross, 1849 Summerset Drive in Marion.

The event will take place from 11:00am to 3:30pm, but reservations are required for the limited spots available.

The $25 sitting fee will include three poses of your choice and a disc with all of the photos taken by Take 2. [Read more…]

The 2017 Marion Popcorn Festival Miss/Ms Popcorn Pageant Informational Meeting will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017 at bluefusion Fun Center, 1340 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Marion from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The informational meeting will allow individuals the opportunity to ask questions regarding the pageant.

For additional information, please contact Lynn Jamison at 614-205-9349 or lynn.jamison@experis.com.

An informational meeting for the Miss Teeny Pop competition will be held on June 10, 2017 at 1:00pm at Blusfusion Fun Center, 1340 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Marion.

If you cannot make the meeting, you can still get details on the event and an application by clicking here.

For more information, contact Marissa Oliver at marissaoliver22@yahoo.com or mpfmissteenypop@yahoo.com.

Alternative pop/rock band Gin Blossoms and southern rockers the Georgia Satellites have been named as the headliners for the 37^th Marion Popcorn Festival.  Gin Blossoms will take the main stage on Friday, September 8, and Georgia Satellites are set for Saturday, September 9.  Both performances begin at 8:30 p.m. and are free to Festival attendees.

The main stage lineup for Thursday, September 7’s Bike Nite will feature The Prince Experience, a Prince Tribute Band, at 8:30 p.m., with classic rock/blues band Reckless Abandonment opening at 6:00.  Thursday night’s main stage is sponsored by Mennel Popcorn and, again, these shows are free of charge. [Read more…]