• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!We Are Having Fun!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

New Year’s Eve will be Popping in Marion

By Wendy Weichenthal on December 11, 2024

decorative graphic

Marion residents are gearing up for a night to remember as the NewsForce247.com hosts its annual Rockin’ Poppin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration, a beloved community tradition. Held at the Marion County Fairgrounds at 220 E. Fairground Street in Marion, the event promises an evening of family-friendly entertainment, music and festive fun.

“This year’s event is sure to be anything short of amazing,” Zac Fuller of NewsForce247.com stated. “From the warmth of Evers Arena to the activities to fill the evening, there is something for everyone to do at The Rockin’ Poppin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration. Admission is free!”

This year’s celebration, sponsored by local businesses and community organizations, is expected to draw hundreds of attendees from across the region.

Kids Activities

“Festivities kick off at 7 p.m. with Evers Arena transformed into a hub of excitement featuring live performances, food trucks and interactive activities,” Fuller said. “For families, a dedicated Kid Zone will feature face painting, balloon artists, and bounce houses throughout the evening, complete with a confetti blast to ring in the New Year for the youngest attendees.”

Professional Wrestling

The highlight of the evening will be a live professional wrestling event with Saw Anarchy Wrestling’s New Year’s Resolution. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the first match starting at 7:30 p.m.

decorative graphic

Contests and Awards

“Games include the Minute-to-Win-It. Pizza-eating and hot dog-eating contests also return to the event this year. Also, the Rockin’ Poppin’ Planning Committee will announce the winner of the 2024 Angels Among Us Award,” Fuller said.

Nominations for individuals, groups and nonprofits who have gone above and beyond for our community will be accepted the Facebook event page until Dec. 16.

Food Trucks

A variety of food trucks will be on hand, offering everything from classic favorites to gourmet treats. Warm drinks like hot cocoa and cider will be available to keep revelers cozy on what is forecasted to be a chilly night.

Popcorn Ball Drop

A smiling bald many with a brown beard smiles while holding a large metal orb.
Zac Fuller prepares the ball for the drop.

As the clock approaches midnight, all eyes will turn to the iconic Illuminated Popcorn Ball Drop. This unique Marion tradition pays homage to the city’s rich history as the “Popcorn Capital of the World.” The illuminated popcorn ball, weighing over 250 pounds, will descend from a radio tower as the crowd counts down to midnight.

A large lighted ball hangs from a tower.

Fuller encourages attendees to dress warmly and bring their New Year’s spirit. Parking is available at designated lots around the fairgrounds

“Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, the Rockin’ Poppin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a night filled with joy and community pride. Marion is ready to rock into 2025!” Fuller said.

Visitors Bureau Welcomes Guests

The Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited for all that Marion has to offer.

“We encourage residents and out-of-town guests to choose Marion as your destination for welcoming in the New Year!  Among other organizations, NewsForce 24/7 has been actively planning their Rockin’ Poppin’ New Year’s event with you in mind, and they’re ready to help you celebrate.  Find all the Marion New Year’s opportunities on the Visitor Bureau’s community calendar,” said Bev Ford, executive director of the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College. 

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • ROTARY CLUB of MARION

    The Rotary Club of Marion’s beginnings goes back to the 1920s.  The Club started organizing in 1921, the same year W.G. Harding was sworn in as President.  The official bargaining date was February 1, 1922, with twenty-three members.   President Harding was made an honorary member of the Marion club in 1922 and was the first […]Read More »
  • Back to School with Robert Britton

    During the month of September, we will be featuring each of the school superintendent s in Marion County, asking them each the same set of questions.  We are using this as an opportunity to share their passion for education and their schools, as well as a little glimpse about them as individuals. Today, we visit […]Read More »
  • Jason Radel

    Pedaling to Make a Difference The Marion community probably remembers River Valley School student Alex Cooper’s story.  In 2013, at the age of 13, Alex received the diagnosis of osteosarcoma cancer in his right leg.  In April 2016, Alex lost his fight with this terrible disease.  Alex’s uncle, Jason Radel, a Marion County Engineer’s Office […]Read More »
  • Alber Enterprise Center

    The name George Alber is at the heart of the MarionMade! mission with thousands of Marionites benefiting each year from his philanthropic legacy. Now, that legacy is reaching every corner of Ohio and beyond, thanks to the work of The Ohio State University’s Alber Enterprise Center. . Chartered in 1996, Alber Enterprise Center bears the […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image