3rd Runner up Hunter Boyce, 1st Runner up Aaron Workman, Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2014 Kari Boles, 2nd Runner up Moira Vaughn, 4th Runner Up Courtney Hamilton.
Kari Boles captured the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2014 Saturday evening, August 2, during competition at River Valley High School.
By winning the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival title, Boles earned a $1,000 scholarship, as well as the Festival crown, banner, and a prize package.
“I’m so excited … and honored,” said a broadly smiling Boles, “… I worked so hard for this. This is my third time, so I know what an honor it is and what it means to represent Marion throughout the state … plus, it’s so much fun!” Boles had previously earned the titles of Miss Teeny Pop 2005 and Miss Teen Popcorn 2007.
Capturing the Talent Award of $100 with a tap routine to “Smile”, Boles also brought home the Popcorn Wear award of $50, the Interview Award of $100, and the People’s Choice Award of $136.
The daughter of Bryan and Shannon Boles of Marion, Boles is a graduate of Elgin High School and is a Business Management major at Marion Technical College.
As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2014, Boles will reign over all Festival activities; including being highlighted in the Festival’s Orville Redenbacher Parade and performing from the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.
First runner-up honors and a $400 scholarship went to Aaron Workman, who garnered the Evening Gown, Photogenic, and Academic/Community Service Awards. A River Valley graduate attending Miami of Ohio and majoring in Middle Childhood Education, Workman is the daughter of Rob and Pam Workman of Marion. She performed a dance routine to “All That Jazz”.
Moira Vaughn took home a $300 scholarship and second runner up honors performing a vocal rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade”. The daughter of Joanna Anderson of Cardington, Vaughn is a graduate of River Valley High School and currently attends Middle Tennessee Sate University majoring in New Media Communication.
Third runner-up and receiving a $200 scholarship was Hunter Boyce who presented her vocal interpretation of “Part of Your World”. Upon graduation from Delaware Hayes, Boyce will be entering the military. She is the daughter of Ron and Sarah Tucker of Delaware.
Courtney Hamilton, receiving a $100 scholarship as fourth runner-up, sang “Last Love Song” as her talent. Daughter of Nicole and Justin Hamilton of Delaware, the R.B. Hayes High School graduate is currently studying Disability Education at The Ohio State University.
Also participating were:
- Jonikka Shepherd, a graduate of River Valley High School and attending The Ohio State University at Marion majoring in social work. She is the daughter of Melinda and Barry Shepherd and performed a tap dance to “Heebee Jeebees”.
- Ranissa Harrison sang “Bless the Broken Road” as her talent. She is the daughter of Joe and Tammy Harrison of Harpster; and is a graduate of ECOT currently majoring in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University.
The scholarships and awards for the contestants were sponsored by The Ohio State University-Marion, Marion Community Credit Union, The Richwood Banking Company, bluefusion entertainment, Kirby Auto Parts, Preferred Popcorn, Carol Ault’s Dance Factory, Goldrush Jewelers, Hemmerly’s Flowers and Gifts, Ohio DJ Network, Experis, Power Factory, lia Sophia, Michelle Hastings, It Works, Cassie Smith Courtyard Grub & Pub, Baking People Happy, Douce Dance Studio, Younique, Suzanne Maniaci Harris, and Custom Professional Accounting
Contestants were scored by two separate panels of judges. The first panel judged the afternoon Interview session worth 30%; and the second graded the evening competition which included 30% for Talent, 10% for Popcorn Wear, 20% for Evening Wear, and 10% for the On-Stage Interview.
Scholarship director Lynnell Jamison expressed her delight in the excellence of the contestants. “This was again a tough competition among yet another great group of young women,” said Jamison. “All who competed are exceptional young women and were wonderful to work with … all would have made great queens.”
Currently celebrating its 34th year, the Marion Popcorn Festival is the largest popcorn festival in the world with an annual attendance estimated in excess of 250,000 over the three-day festival. Other events include a popcorn cooking contest, a fine art show, crafts, Popcorn 5000 5K run, Popcorn 100 bike tour, a community showcase stage, and more.
Main stage entertainment for 2014 includes Panama: the Van Halen Tribute Band on Thursday, September 4; country star Craig Morgan on Friday, September 5; and classic rock band Night Ranger on Saturday, September 6. For more information on the full slate of activities, or if you are interested in obtaining Kernel Seats for the entertainment, visit www.popcornfestival.com or call 740-387-FEST. The Marion Popcorn Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Marion.
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