The Marion Popcorn Festival Parade takes place each year on Thursday evening of the festival starting at 6:00 p.m.
PARADE ROUTE
The parade starts by heading west on East Center Street starting at Forest Lawn Boulevard. It then makes a left, turning south on State Street and another left going east on Church Street (in front of the Wyandot Popcorn Museum), before finishing up and disbanding at the fork of Church Street, Mount Vernon Avenue, and S Vine Street.
Policy on Floats
Those wanting to enter a float in the parade MUST APPLY to be considered. All applicants will be notified in July. The Parade may contact applicants between submission and notification to ask additional questions about your entry. All accepted float applicants are encouraged to attend one of two Float-Building Seminars being presented by the Parade Committee: (dates & location to be announced). If your float submission is not selected, your entry fee will be refunded.
Info for non-float entries
The deadline for non-float entries will be announced at a later date. In order to have the lineup completed and your position in the parade mailed in time, entries will not be accepted after the deadline (typically in early August) Additional rules and information are below.
When we have the 2021 parade application ready, it will be available to download here.
Please mail your form and the entry fee of $40.00 as soon as possible to the following address:
Parade Director
MARION POPCORN FESTIVAL
P.O. Box 1101
Marion, OH 43301-1101
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.
Policy on Youth Groups (ex: sport teams, dance studios, etc…)
Youth groups will be walking in organized “Power Blocks”. We will provide these groups with colorful props. 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) vehicle at the $40 fee for each office official.
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 and uses popcorn in a creative manner. 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 us by email at marionpopcornparade@gmail.com.
