Galbert named 2016 Little Wee Pop Princess

2016 Miss Little Wee Pop and Court (left to right): 3rd Runner-Up Finnley Payne, 1st Runner-Up Mila Homan, Little Wee Pop Princess 2016 Kaysen Galbert, and 2nd Runner-Up Mackenna Culp.

Sixteen contestants vied for the title of Marion Popcorn Festival’s 2016 Little Wee Pop Princess at River Valley High School Saturday morning. The title was captured by 22-month-old Kaysen Galbert, the daughter of Thurman & Kirsten Galbert of Bucyrus.  She also won overall honors in Formalwear and tied for her age division in Costume.

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 Formalwear and Photogenic.

Second Runner-Up was Mackenna Culp.  She place first in her age division in Costume and is the 10-month-old daughter of Airianna Culp of Marion.

Thirteen-month-old Finnley Payne was the Third Runner-Up.  The daughter of Maci & Brett Payne of Marion also won her age division in Formalwear.

The 2016 Little Wee Pops will be featured on the Main Stage of the Marion Popcorn Festival.  They will also ride in the Festival’s Popcorn Parade, and represent the Marion Popcorn Festival at various parades and events throughout the state.

Little Wee Pop is designed for girls aged 0 – 23 months.  Division winners included:
0 – 12 months:        Formalwear:    Mila Holman
Costume:    Mackenna Culp

13 – 23 months:    Formalwear:    Finnley Payne
Costume (tie):    Lillyona Wilson & Kaysen Galbert
Overall Formalwear:        Kaysen Galbert
Overall Costume:        Izzie Young

Receiving honorable mention awards were:  Kai’ya Ward, Paislee Troiano, Isobella Berg, Lillian Sczepanik Rivard, Reece Endsley, Johanna Mitchell, Eleanor O’Bryan, Everleigh Burris, Khali Walter, and Claire Cooper.

A separate photogenic contest was held in conjunction with the main pageant, and the results of this event had no bearing on the outcome of the Little Wee Pop Pageant.  Contestants were allowed to enter one or both events.  Photogenic awards went to:
0 – 12 months:                Mila Holman
13 – 23 months:            Izzie Young
Overall Photogenic        Isobella Berg

Pageant Director Jamie Williams expressed how well the day went. “I can’t imagine being a judge,” said Williams, “every one of these kids were wonderful.   Our thanks to each and every parent who entered.”

The Little Wee Pop Pageant was sponsored by Dollfin Music Sound and Production, Terri’s Photography Studio, bluefusion entertainment, Takes2Studio, Goldrush Jewelers, Wendy’s, and Applebee’s.

For more information on the full slate of Festival activities, visit www.popcornfestival.com or call 740-387-FEST.   The Marion Popcorn Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Marion.