Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2015, Elizabeth Corwin is crowned by Kari Boles, Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2014.
Elizabeth Corwin captured the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2015 Saturday evening, August 1, during competition at River Valley High School.
By winning the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival title, Corwin earned a $1,000 scholarship, as well as the Festival crown, banner, and a prize package.
“Pinch me, I’m dreaming,” said an amazed Corwin. “I couldn’t believe it when they said my name … I didn’t think it would happen. I’ve been in several of the Festival’s pageants over the years, but this is the first time I’ve actually won any of them.” Corwin continued, “A big thank you to all who have supported me over the years … without that, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to do this today.”
In addition to capturing the Interview Award, Corwin also won the Evening Gown, Academic/Community Service Award, Photogenic Award, and the Talent Award with her vocal rendition of “At Last” by Etta James. Each came with a cash prize.
The daughter of Robert and Jennyfer Corwin of Galion, Corwin is a graduate of Northmor High School and attends the University of Findlay.
As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2015, Corwin will reign over all Festival activities; including being highlighted in the Festival’s Popcorn Parade and performing from the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.
2nd runner up Hunter Boyce, Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2015 Elizabeth Corwin, 1st runner up Halle Augenstein, and 3rd runner up Ranissa Harrison.
First runner-up honors and a $400 scholarship went to Halle Augenstein, who garnered the Popcorn Wear Award and People’s Choice Award. A River Valley graduate attending Wright State Augenstein is the daughter of Jeff and Lori Augenstein of Marion. She performed a lyrical dance routine to “Time Above the Earth” by The Kooks.
Hunter Boyce took home a $300 scholarship and second runner up honors performing a vocal rendition of “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. The daughter of Ron and Sarah Tucker of Delaware, Boyce is a graduate of Delaware Hayes High School and attends Hocking College.
Third runner-up and receiving a $200 scholarship was Ranissa Harrison who presented her vocal interpretation of “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. A graduate of ECOT, Harrison attends Bowling Green State University and is the daughter of Joe and Tammy Harrison of Harpster.
The scholarships and awards for the contestants were sponsored by The Ohio State University at Marion, bluefusion Entertainment, Richwood Bank, Staffing Partners, and Preferred Popcorn.
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.”
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. Main stage entertainment for 2015 includes Straight On: Heart Tribute Band on Thursday, September 10; country star Rodney Atkins on Friday, September 11, and rock band Warrant on Saturday, September 12. All performances on the Festival’s main stage begin at 8:30 p.m. and are free of charge. A limited number of Kernel sponsorship seats are available for any of the main stage performances by calling 740-383-2076.
Other events include the Popcorn Parade with over 300 units, a popcorn cooking contest, a fine art show, crafts, Popcorn 5000 5K run, Popcorn 100 bike tour, the Community Showcase Stage Hometown Talent Stage, Poppin’ Party Stage, and more.
For more information on the full slate of activities, 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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