2016 Miss Marion Popcorn Festival & Court (left to right): 3rd Runner-Up Annslea Schaber, 1st Runner-Up Hannah Fuller, Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2016 Jayna Kubuske, 2nd Runner-Up Shannon Lyle, 4th Runner-Up Courtney Hamilton.
Jayna Kubuske captured the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2016 Saturday evening, August 5, during competition at River Valley High School.
By winning the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival title, Kubuske earned a $1,000 scholarship, as well as the Festival crown, banner, and a prize package.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said an amazed Kubuske. “I couldn’t believe it when they said my name. I’m not from Marion, but the people here have been so welcoming, I feel like I’ve lived in Marion my whole life.” Kubuske continued, “A big thank you to all the popcorn people … they’ve been really great. I’m so looking forward to the Festival and getting to share the year with this great bunch of people.”
In addition to capturing the Interview Award, Kubuske also won the Evening Gown, Photogenic Award, and the Talent Award with her baton twirling routine to “Don’t Stop Me Now”. Each came with a cash prize.
The daughter of James and Jessie Kubuske of Amherst, she is attending the University of Cincinnati.
As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2016, Kubuske 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.
First runner-up honors and a $400 scholarship went to Hannah Fuller. She performed a vocal rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade”. She is the daughter of Matt and Amy Fuller of Marion.
Shannon Lyle took home a $300 scholarship and second runner up honors performing a vocal rendition of “All That Jazz”. The daughter of Thomas and Theresa Lyle of Mount Gilead, she attends Marion Technical College.
Third runner-up and receiving a $200 scholarship was Annslea Schaber who presented an interpretive clogging routine to “Upside Down” by Paloma Faith. She also captured the People’s Choice Award and the Popcorn Wear Award by portraying a Jiffy Pop Chef. Schaber attends Sullivan University and is the daughter of Chris and Josette Schaber of New Bloomington.
Courtney Hamilton claimed Fourth Runner-Up and a $100 scholarship. She performed a vocal rendition of “Show Off” from The Drowsy Chaperone as her talent. The daughter of Justin Hamilton and Cami Cambell of Delaware, Hamilton attends Abilene Christian University.
Also competing were:
Hunter Boyce, the daughter of Ron and Sarah Tucker of Delaware, performed a vocal rendition of “On My Own”. She attends the Hondros College of Nursing.
Jonnika Shepherd attends The Ohio State University at Marion and is the daughter of Barry and Melinda Shepherd of Marion. She performed a lyrical dance to “True Colors” as her talent.
The scholarships and awards for the contestants were sponsored by The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, bluefusion Entertainment, Experis IT, Preferred Popcorn, Terrie’s Photography Studio, Custom Professional Accounting, Sweet Dee’s Delightful Treats, Christina Wyatt – Thirty-one Consultant, Courtney Miller – Younique, Applebee’s, The Warehouse, and Hemmerly’s Flowers & Gifts.
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.
“I know I say it every year, but 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 2016 dates of the Marion Popcorn Festival are September 8, 9 and 10. Main stage entertainment includes Thursday, September 8’s Bike Nite featuring Rock Brigade – The Def Leppard Experience at 8:30 p.m., country star Kellie Pickler on Friday, September 9, and heavy metal/rock band Skid Row set for Saturday, September 10. All headline performances begin at 8:30 p.m. are free of charge to Festival attendees. A limited number of Kernel sponsorship seats are available for any of the main stage performances by calling 740-387-FEST.
Other events include Terry Lee Goffee, The “Ultimate” Johnny Cash Tribute, at the historic Marion Palace Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on September 8, the Popcorn Parade with over 300 units, a popcorn cooking contest, a fine art show, crafts, Popcorn 5000 5K run/walk, Popcorn 100 bike tour, Community Showcase stage, Marion’s Hometown Talent stage, Poppin’ Party stage, and much more.
For more information, visit our web site at www.popcornfestival.com, “Like” The Marion Popcorn Festival on Facebook, or call 740-387-FEST. The Marion Popcorn Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Marion.
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