The Marion Popcorn Festival Parade takes place each year on Thursday evening of the festival starting at 6:00 p.m.
Parade Route
Parade route lines up on Forest Lawn Drive and starts on East Center Street and Uhler Road, heads West (toward downtown) on Center Street, turns left on State Street, left on Church Street (in front of the Wyandot Popcorn Museum), and disbands at the fork of Church Street, Mount Vernon Avenue and South Vine Street.
Policy on Floats
Those wanting to enter a float in the parade must APPLY to be considered.
- Float applications must be received no later than August 15, 2025.
- The Parade may contact applicants between submission and notification to ask additional questions about your entry.
- If your submission is not selected, your entry fee will be refunded.
Info for non-float entries
The deadline for non-float entries will be August 22, 2025. In order to have the lineup completed and your position in the parade mailed in time, entries will not be accepted after the August 22 deadline. Additional rules and information are below.
Download the 2025 Parade Application Here!
Please mail your form and the entry fee of $40.00 as soon as possible to the following address:
Don Wolfe, Parade Director
MARION POPCORN FESTIVAL
P.O. Box 1101
Marion, OH 43301-1101
Parade Information and Rules
No Throwing Candy or Other Objects
Those walking or riding in the parade are prohibited from throwing candy and/or other objects to bystanders throughout the parade route.
New Policy for Business Vehicles
Sponsored vehicles (vehicles bearing logos of businesses for advertisement) are not required to decorate in the festival theme. They will be in the Sponsors Block at the end of the parade.
New Policy on Youth Groups (ex: sport teams, dance studios, etc.…)
Youth groups will be walking in organized “Power Blocks”
One vehicle will be allowed to follow behind the walkers for carrying water and health concerns. This vehicle can have the name of the group or organization displayed.
Antique Cars
Any classic/antique car club may enter up to ten (10) vehicles under one entry fee with no limit on the number of passengers per vehicle. For each vehicle over 10 there will be an additional $20.00/per vehicle fee.
Horses/Animals
All horses/animals will be considered one unit up to five (5) participants. There will be an additional $20.00/per animal fee for all horses/animals over the five (5) allotted. Participants are solely responsible for animal waste cleanup during the parade.
Political
Any politically affiliated club or organization may enter one (1) float at the standard entry fee.
Politicians currently holding office may ride in individual vehicles by submitting completed application along with standard entry fee.
We’re always working to improve the quality of the parade.
Please take note of this important information including new/revised rules. Any entry not adhering to festival rules and direction may be denied entry in future years at the discretion of the Parade Director. We appreciate and encourage your submission of a float that supports the parade theme. Unique, entertaining, family-oriented theme floats will be given priority when entries are reviewed for approval and placement in the parade.
For more information, contact Parade Director, Don Wolfe, at [email protected].
