Koons crowned as Popcorn Festival’s first Mr. Popcorn

(l – r) Kernel Runner-Up Kareem Crabtree, Mr. Popcorn Kernel Oliver Schwartz, Mr. Popcorn 2016 Robb Koons, and Mr. Popcorn Junior Alex Thompson.

“Ecstatic,” said Robb Koons describing how he felt hearing his name called as the first ever Mr. Popcorn 2016 in competition Saturday afternoon at River Valley High School.  “Just being the first … I’m honored … very honored,” Koons continued.  “I was nervous at the start, but I am very excited to be able to represent Marion and the Marion Popcorn Festival as the first Mr. Popcorn.”

Koons also won the overall Formalwear Award.  From Marion, Koons is married and works at Fifth-Third Bank.

As Mr. Popcorn, Koons will be featured at all Festival activities, including the Festival’s Popcorn Parade and on the main stage.  He will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.

Named Mr. Popcorn Junior was Alex Thompson, who also garnered the overall Popcorn Wear Award.  He is a third grader at Liberty Elementary School and is the son of Bryan and Ashley Thompson of Caledonia.

Mr. Popcorn Kernel was Oliver Schwartz.  Aged 2, he is the son of Morgan and Caleb Schwartz or Marion.

Runner-Up Popcorn Kernel was Kareem Crabtree of Marion.  The three-year-old also won the overall Photogenic Award, which was an additional category contestants could enter.  The result of photogenic, however, had no bearing on the overall Mr. Popcorn competition.

In all, 12 contestants vied for these coveted positions.  Earning honorable mentions were Carson Bird, James Taylor, Ezra Brewer, Gabriel Layne, Connor Weisenauer, Nolan Somerlot, Layne Curry, and Kenneth Spafford.

Winners received prize packages, and all contestants received participation awards sponsored by bluefusion Entertainment, Terrie’s Photography, Nathan’s Barber Shop, BMG Photography, Applebee’s, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Splatterpark, and Pure Romance Nikki Briggs.

Pageant Director Lori McGraw said, “Overall I’m delighted with our first Mr. Popcorn pageant.  We didn’t know really what to expect, but were pleased with 12 entries and the effort each contestant put into it.”

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.