By PAIGE CARR

Staff writer

As bleachers filled with students and parents Thursday at Marion Elementary School’s biennial variety show, so did chatter and excitement in the crowd.

The show started with a surprise birthday tribute to Principal Justin Wasmuth. Staff members came in one at a time carrying numbers representing years of his life. Eventually, amid the music and laughs, 37 staff members filed in. As the crowd sang “Happy Birthday,” Wasmuth’s face became red, and the show began.

A total of 55 students put on a show for students and about 40 adult spectators. Entertainment lasted more than an hour.

Included were several dance groups, singing performances, skits, magic tricks, and even wrestling moves, safely done with mats on the floor.

“This is a first time for this,” Wasmuth said in announcing the wrestling act.

Third graders Tripp Peterson and Cooper Jirak explained that they would be doing different moves: take downs, half nelsons, and a sit-out 1-2-3.

The duo had no shortage of teamwork and friendship. One kept pausing and coaching his partner through the next move only for his partner to take his position, shake his head, and explain, “I forgot again.”

Spectators showed enthusiasm as spurts of chuckles rang throughout the crowd.

Fifth grader Autumn Haskin captivated the audience with her rendition of “Temporary Home,” by Carrie Underwood.

In another performance, Jessica Methvin showed off trick roping skills, swirling a looped rope around while moving her foot in and out of the loop to the oohs and aahs of spectators.