The Marion Popcorn Festival has named Jim and Connie Prenger as the entertainment for the Palace Theatre on Thursday afternoon, September 4, at 2:00. As with all Festival entertainment, this performance is free to the public.

The Prengers currently reside in Minster, Ohio and provide a show that combines comedy, energy and a deep-rooted love of traditional American music. Professionally they have performed with Reba McEntire, Tom T. Hall, Ricky Skaggs, George Jones, Janie Fricke, Tammy Wynette, Lee Greenwood, Dottie West, The Judds, at county fairs throughout the Midwest.

Jim Prenger recorded his first album, Dive Bar Stars, in December of 1980. That album caught the attention of a Nashville producer who produced their second album Back To Where We Started. A single from that album, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”, received national play.

Although they both currently maintain other jobs – he sells tractors, she is a promotion director – their dreams are set for Nashville as the Prengers are currently working on a third album of all original selections.

Slated for September 4, 5 & 6, 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 also includes: Aerosmith-endorsed tribute band Draw the Line on Thursday’s Bike Nite; country sensation Phil Vassar for Friday night; and legendary southern rock group Molly Hatchet on Saturday. All performances begin at 8:30 p.m. and are free of charge. Kernel sponsorship seats for the main stage performances are available by calling 740-383-2076.

Other events include a cornhole tournament, the Orville Redenbacher Parade with over 300 units, a popcorn cooking contest, a fine art show, crafts, Popcorn 5000 5K run, Popcorn 100 bike tour, a Poppin’ Pooch Pageant, a community showcase stage, and more. For more information, visit our web site at www.popcornfestival.com or call 740/387-FEST.