Nine will compete for Miss Teen Popcorn this weekend

Nine contestants will vie for the title of Miss Teen Popcorn 2016 on Saturday, August 13, 7:00 p.m., in festivities at River Valley High School.  They are:

• Alexis Ritter
  Age: 16
  School: will be in 11th grade at River Valley High School
  Parents: James and Lorri Ritter
  Talent: Clog with a Canadian flair to the song “What was I thinking”
• Faith Schleitler
  Age: 13
  School: will be in 8th grade at Grant Middle School
  Parents: Jennifer Mogle
  Talent: Lyrical dance to the song “Lost Boy”
• Jaden Smith
  Age:  14
  School: will be in 9th grade at Harding High school
  Parents: Jonathan and Tiffany Lechleitner
  Talent: Vocal presentation to the song “My party dress”
• Kaylee Wallace
  Age: 17
  School: will be in 12th grade at Harding High School
  Parents: Tolbia Wallace and Jennifer Martin
  Talent: Vocal presentation to the song “I will always love you”
• Sarah Perkins
  Age: 14
  School: will be in 9th grade at North Union High School
  Parents: Kevin and Wendy Perkins
  Talent: Vocal presentation to the song “Someone to watch over me”
• Alexis Klaiber
  Age: 16
  School: will be in 11th grade at Pleasant High school
  Parents: Kyle Klaiber and Amanda Klaiber-Lindsay
  Talent: Dance to the song “People help the people”
• Melannie Emigh
  Age: 14
  School: will be in 9th grade at River Valley High School
  Parents: Kevin and Kimberly Emigh
  Talent: Vocal and dance to the song “I want to go to Hollywood”
• Sydney Randall
  Age: 17
  School: will be in 12th grade at Pleasant High school
  Parents: Brooks and Melissa Randall
  Talent: dance to the song “Feel again”
• Hayley Stiverson
  Age: 16
  School: will be in 11th grade at Pleasant High School/ Tri Rivers Career Center
  Parents: Jim and Cindy Stiverson
  Talent: Vocal presentation to the song “Temporary Home”

Participants must be aged 13 through a senior in high school.   Each contestant will compete in interview, evening gown, an on-stage question, talent, and the anything popcorn category.   The event is open to the public with a ticket price of $5.

The 2016 Miss Teen Popcorn will receive scholarship money and prizes, be highlighted on the Festival’s main stage, take part in the Popcorn Parade, and represent the Marion Popcorn Festival at local and statewide events throughout the coming year.

The 2016 dates of the Marion Popcorn Festival are September 8th, 9th, and 10th.   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 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.