Monday, August 18, is the deadline for those wishing to enter the Marion Popcorn Festival Orville Redenbacher Parade. Entry forms have been mailed to those who entered the parade in past years.

If you have not receive your entry form– or are a new entrant – entry forms are available at www.popcornfestival.com or by calling parade chairman Mary Dutton at 740-725-9691.

As in the past, the parade will once again step off at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4th, and this year, it will be a party from start to finish. The theme for 2008 event is The Big Pop Goes South of the Border and follows a fiesta atmosphere.

“We always look for a theme that allows for a lot of creativity,” said Dutton, “as we feel this provides the basis for a festive entry. This year we’re inviting everyone to pull out their maracas, don their sombreros, and get ready to fiesta as “The Big Pop Goes South of the Border.”

A total of 19 trophies will be awarded in eight categories. Dutton indicated parade entry forms, along with the Festival’s parade policy, can also be picked up at the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, as well as being available online at www.popcornfestival.com.

Dutton said this year the entry fee per unit will be increased to $20.00. “With the cost of everything going up, it has been harder and harder for the Marion Popcorn Festival to absorb all of the costs for the parade. This fee goes toward covering the cost of the entry forms, postage, trophies, the high school bands, etc.

“We feel the entry fee is still low enough that it won’t become a burden on anyone,” said Dutton. “The fee this year will cover as many vehicles as necessary for the entry with no additional charge to the initial $20.00 – and again there’s no limit on the number of passengers.”

Dutton indicated the basic rules from last year will apply in 2008 with one addition, and that is there will be no flatbeds, semi trucks or oversized trailers allowed in the ball team divisions. The parade route will remain the same as in previous years. Beginning on East Center Street at Forest Lawn Boulevard, it will continue down East Center Street to State to Church to Main, and disband at the top of the hill.