The Marion Popcorn Festival’s Orville Redenbacher Parade is set to step off at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6.  The theme for this year’s event will be “The Wild, Wild West”.

The Marion Popcorn Festival Craft & Commercial Area will growing during this year’s festival.

Chairperson Cheryl Huffman said, “Due to the interest expressed by local community churches, schools, and various other non-profit organizations, a new section has been added to the 'Craft and Commercial Area'. This new area is designated as the 'Community Area'.”

The deadline for entering the Marion Popcorn Festival’s 3rd Annual Poppin Pooch Pageant is Friday, August 27.

Canine contestants will compete in three categories: Swimsuit/Team Spirit, Stupid Pet Tricks, and Formalwear/Dress for Success. Bonus points will be awarded for creative use of popcorn and/or use of the 2010 Popcorn Festival theme, “Peace, Love and Popcorn”.

The Marion Popcorn Festival is working with two area businesses to offer deeply discounted tickets for the Marion Popcorn Festival amusement rides. Those tickets will be available at all Marion locations of McDonalds and the Marion Community Credit Union through Tuesday, September 7th.

Jennifer St. John captured the 2010 Miss Teen Popcorn title Saturday evening in festivities at River Valley High School. As Miss Teen Popcorn, St. John received a $200 scholarship donated by Primrose of Marion, her crown sponsored by Joanne Cook, a portrait from Hughes Studio, flowers and a prize package.

Jennifer Moodie was chosen Miss Teeny Pop 2010 Saturday during competition at River Valley High School. The 11-year also won her age group in all three categories of competition: Modeling, Talent and Commercial.

Moodie is the daughter of Kristie and Larry Moodie, and is in the 6th grade at Grant Middle School.

Fourteen contestants will vie for the title of 2010 Miss Teen Popcorn on Saturday, August 14, 7:00 pm, in festivities at River Valley High School. The 2010 Miss Teen Popcorn will receive scholarship money and prizes, be highlighted on the Festival’s main stage, take part in the Orville Redenbacher Parade, and represent the Marion Popcorn Festival at local and statewide events throughout the coming year.

The Marion Popcorn Festival’s Recipe Contest will pop to the forefront once again.  Judging will take place on Thursday, September 9, at the Marion Popcorn Festival.

Mary Longo of the OSU Extension office who coordinates the event indicates it is a traditional cooking contest where the finished product must be edible and must contain popcorn.

Twenty-four contestants vied for the title of Marion Popcorn Festival’s 2010 Little Wee Pop Prince and Princess at Marion Harding High School Saturday morning. Little Wee Pop is designed for children aged 6 – 23 months.

Phyllis Hendrix was named Ms. Marion Popcorn Festival during the popcorn royalty festivities Saturday evening at Grant Middle School.  She earned her title by competing in an Interview session and Popcorn Wear.