(l – r) 3rd Runner-Up Ava Roseberry, 1st Runner-Up Paytn Smith, Miss Teeny Pop 2016 Abigail Bennett, , 2nd Runner-Up Melanie Lee, and 4th Runner-Up Braelyn Miller.
Abigail Bennett was chosen Miss Teeny Pop 2016 Saturday during competition at River Valley High School. Bennett also took Overall honors in Formalwear and Commercial, as well as her age division in Talent. The 12-year-old daughter of Don and Tracy Bennett of Caledonia is in the 7th grade at River Valley Middle School.
As Miss Teeny Pop, Bennett will be featured at all Festival activities, including the Festival’s Popcorn Parade and on the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.
First Runner Up went to Paytn Smith, who also won her age division in Formalwear, Talent, and Commercial. She is the six-year-old daughter of Jonathan and Tiffany Lechleitner of Marion.
Taking Second Runner-Up was Melanie Lee. The 11-year-old also earned the Overall Talent award and her age division honors in Formalwear and Commercial. Her parents are Randy and Angie Leib of Prospect.
Snaring Third Runner Up was 8-year-old Ava Roseberry. She is the daughter of Randy and Chrisee Roseberry of Marion.
The Fourth Runner-Up position went to Braelyn Miller. Her parents are Rylee and Danielle Miller of Marion, and she is eight years old.
Receiving honorable mention awards were Sophia Raimo, Leah Bledsoe, Elizabeth Newsome, Addisen Throckmorton, Gracee Carmichael, and Cloie Hines.
Paytn Smith was the winner of the Photogenic Award. This is a separate competition and entering is optional. The outcome has no bearing on the Miss Teeny Pop results.
Event sponsors were Carrolls Jewelers, the Cushing family, Terri’s Photography Studio, Fuzzy’s Flowers, Applebee’s, and BMG photography.
“As usual, the competition was tight again this year,” said Miss Teeny Pop program chair Morgan Schwartz. “The level of ability these girls display in all three categories …it’s amazing. All of the contestants did an absolutely wonderful job.”
Contestants competed in three categories, Formalwear, Talent and Commercial where participants perform an “advertisement” regarding the Marion Popcorn Festival.
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.
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