The Marion Popcorn Festival’s smallest royalty will be crowned in festivities at River Valley High School this Saturday morning, August 1, 2015. Sixteen contestants will try for the title of 2015 Little Wee Pop Prince and Princess designed for children aged 0 – 23 months. Mr. and Miss Wee Pop will be chosen from a field of 22 aged 2 – 5.
Little Wee Pops are chosen based upon formalwear and costume. Wee Pops are judged in three categories: formalwear, costumes and swimwear. There is a separate photogenic options for both pageants and contestants may participate in one or both portions. The photogenic results have no bearing on the overall winners.
Wee Pop Chair Linda Candel said that judging at this age is difficult, “There is no talent or interview as in older pageants, so judges rely on the personality of each contestant they see them on stage. The kids are also judged on their creative use of popcorn and the Festival’s theme, Poppin’ Safari.”
The Little Wee Pop pageant begins at 9:30 and the Wee Pop pageant is slated to start at noon. Both are open to the public.
Currently celebrating its 35th year, the Marion Popcorn 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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