New Ms. Popcorn Calls Pageant a “Family Thing”

Mandi Brumfield was named Ms. Marion Popcorn Festival 2012during the popcorn royalty festivities Saturday evening, August 4, at Grant Middle School.  She won a $100 cash award, and a necklace and crown sponsored by Goldrush.

“Shocked” and “Surprised” were the words 27-year-old Brumfield used to describe her emotions when she heard her name called.  “I haven’t competed in anything since I was a senior in high school,” sand Brumfield, “so I really had no expectations here.”  Brumfield said the reason she decided to enter now was that it was a “family thing”.  “My son was, I proud to say, a runner-up to Mr. Wee Pop this morning and my daughter will be in the Miss Teeny Pop next week.   We thought we’d all do the pageant-thing together this year.”

Brumfield also garnered the Photogenic Award.  She is a stay-at-home Mom and part-time independent market researcher.  Brumfield and her husband, Steve, are the parents of three children, Melanie, Daniel, and Chace.

First runner up was Jana Pelter, who also captured the Popcorn Wear and Evening Wear awards.  From Nevada, Pelter is a United States Postal Carrier and child care provider. 

Danielle Twigg captured the second runner-up position.  She is the mother of three children, Dustin, Alex and Lindsey.  Twigg is employed by Frontier Communications as a business sales specialist.

Each runner-up received a banner and prize package.

Tying for Interview Award honors was Stacie Hines and Debara Tinnerello.  Also competing were Linda Blue, Sheila Swope and Tammy Harrison.

Each of the contestants participated in Eveningwear, an Interview session, Popcorn Wear, and an on-stage question.  Director Sheryl Rhoades was “very pleased” with all the contestants’ efforts. 

Sponsors included Ohio State University-Marion, Marion Technical College, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Marion Community Credit Union, Richwood Bank, The Family of Steve Somerlot, Wyandot, Goldrush Jewelers, Marion Flower Shop, Ideal Printing, Shanna Sharp, Peacock Water of Marion, Georges Fun Factory of Galena, and Dr. Bob Singh.

Set for September 6, 7 & 8 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.  The Miss Teeny Pop and Miss Teen Popcorn Pageants are slated for 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. respectively on Saturday, August 11, at River Valley High School.  For more information on all Festival events, visit the web site at www.popcornfestival.com or call 740/387-FEST.  The Marion Popcorn Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Marion.