Festival is Looking for Your Best Popcorn Recipes

The Marion Popcorn Festival’s Recipe Contest will pop to the forefront once again in 2014.  Judging will take place on Thursday, September 4, at the Marion Popcorn Festival, but entries are due soon.

Mary Longo of the OSU Extension office, who coordinates the event, indicates it is a traditional cooking contest where the finished product must be edible and must contain popcorn.  The recipes do not need to be original, but the original source must be listed.  Judging will be based on the use of popcorn, flavor, creativity, and appropriateness to the food.

“We have been extremely pleased,” said Longo, “with the number and the quality of the entries we have received.  And as long as the interest is there, we’ll continue to do it.”

All entries must be received by Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the OSU Extension Office, located in the Marion County Building, 222 West Center Street.  Be sure to include your name, address, and telephone number.

Finalists will be notified by Friday, August 29, and instructed where to bring their entry between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 4.

The first place winner will receive two Kernel Seats to the night of the winner’s choice. The second place winner will receive two VIP tickets for the night of their choice.

Longo can be reached through the Ohio State University Extension Office at 740-223-4040.

Currently celebrating its 34th year, 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.  Other events include a golf outing, a fine art show, crafts, Popcorn 5000 5K run, Popcorn 100 bike tour, a community showcase stage, and more.

Main stage entertainment for 2014 includes Panama: the Van Halen Tribute Band on Thursday, September 4; country star Craig Morgan on Friday, September 5; and classic rock band Night Ranger on Saturday, September 6.  For more information on the full slate of activities, or if you are interested in obtaining Kernel Seats for the entertainment, 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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