NEWS

Hall, McCarthy chosen Little Wee Pop prince, princess

Special to The Marion Star

MARION – Sixteen contestants vied for the title of Marion Popcorn Festival’s 2015 Little Wee Pop Prince and Princess at River Valley High School Saturday morning. Little Wee Pop is designed for children aged 0 – 23 months.

The 2015 Prince is Brantley Hall, the 20-month-old son of Casey Keckler and Dustin Hall of Marion.

The 2015 Princess is 21-month-old Shyanna McCarthy. She is the daughter of Danielle Oliver and Shawn McCarthy of Marion, and won overall honors in Formalwear.

Receiving Runner-Up awards were Bryce Palmer for prince and Karrington Frissora for princess. Palmer is the son of OJ Palmer and Allyson Gombosch. Frissora, who also took Overall Costume, is the daughter of Frank and Kendall Frissora.

The 2015 Little Wee Pops will be featured on the Main Stage of the Marion Popcorn Festival. They will also ride in the Festival’s Popcorn Parade, and represent the Marion Popcorn Festival at various parades and events throughout the state.

Division winners

0 - 12 months: Formalwear: Lillyona Rose-Wilson

Costume: Kaysen Galbert

13 - 23 months: Formalwear: Reagan Lechleitner

Costume: Makinzee McBeth

Overall Formalwear: Shyanna McCarthy

Overall Costume: Karrington Frissora

Receiving honorable mention awards were: Lyric Tromm, Riley Mantey, Leelynn Miller, Harper Carey, Janessa Glass, Averiana Smith, Abigail Lane, and Allie Weisenauer.

A separate photogenic contest was held in conjunction with the main pageant, and the results of this event had no bearing on the outcome of the Wee Pop Pageant. Contestants were allowed to enter one or both events.

Photogenic awards

0 - 12 months: Leelynn Miller

13 - 23 months: Averiana Smith

Overall Photogenic Riley Mantey

Pageant Director Jamie Williams expressed how well the day went. “I can’t imagine being a judge,” said Williams. “Every one of these kids had a good chance to win. Our thanks to each and every parent who entered.”

The Little Wee Pop Pageant was sponsored by Dollfin Music Sound and Production, Takes2Studio, Goldrush Jewelers, Wendy’s McDonalds, Burger King, Jer-zee Drive Thru, and Marion Flower Shop.

For more information on the full slate of Festival activities, visit www.popcornfestival.com or call 740-387-FEST. The Marion Popcorn Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Marion.