Popcorn Festival hoppin’ and poppin’ with treats, music
Salty snacks and top-flight music acts share the spotlight at the annual Marion Popcorn Festival.
Although the festival honors Marion’s longtime association with popcorn production — the city is home to the Wyandot Popcorn Museum as well as Wyandot Snacks, which still produces popcorn — many attendees are drawn by the performers, which, over its 40year history, have ranged from Willie Nelson to Cheap Trick.
“It’s always been a goal of the festival to open up the heart of downtown Marion,” said festival official Vince Reed, 52, a Marion native and longtime attendee. “Not only folks from Marion, but bringing folks in from other counties. I have friends who come up from Columbus.”
The festival was called off last year due to the pandemic, but this year’s edition, set to kick off Sept. 9 and continue through Sept. 11, promises to deliver the goods: The mainstage entertainers, each performing at 8:30 p.m., are Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band (Sept. 9); Eddie Montgomery of the country duo Montgomery Gentry (Sept. 10); and the rock band Great White (Sept. 11).
No masks are required for the outdoor festival, which opens at 11 a.m. each day. Admission is free.
Of course, those who come for the music are welcome to stay for the popcorn.
“You can get just about any flavor you can imagine,” Reed said.
In fact, the popped kernels are just one of countless offerings at the festival, which fans out across about half-a-dozen blocks throughout downtown Marion.
“There are (carnival-type) rides throughout the streets,” Reed said. “There is a craft section. We have a touch-a-truck and a tractor ... . We have a pop-up fine-art display.”
In addition to the out-of-town entertainers performing on the mainstage,
located at the intersection of Church and Prospect streets, a Poppin’ Party Stage and Beer & Wine Garden, on East Center Street, will feature local music acts.
“There’s lots of entertainment going on,” Reed said.
A parade will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 9.
Winners of Popcorn Festival pageants — naming Miss Marion Popcorn Festival, Ms. Marion Popcorn Festival and Miss Teen Popcorn Festival — will also have a presence.
“I’m actually married to former royalty — my wife was one of the queens one year,” said Reed, whose wife, Kristin, was Ms. Marion Popcorn Festival in 2013.
For music fans and poppers of popcorn alike, the festival is one way to mark the beginning of the end of summer.
“It’s always been the first weekend after Labor Day,” Reed said. “Fall is here, and it’s just a lot of fun. I’m sure we’ll have a great turnout.”
tonguetteauthor2@aol.com