Valparaiso’s Rich Community Spirit on Full Display at 47th Annual Popcorn Fest

On Saturday, September 6, thousands of Valparaiso residents turned out for the 47th annual Popcorn Fest celebration. The festival, one of the city’s most beloved events, is held in recognition of popcorn tycoon Orville Redenbacher, who resided in Valparaiso most of his life. As per tradition, this year’s Popcorn Fest featured the Jr. Kernel Run, Lit’l Kernel Puff, and Popcorn Panic races, as well as the ever-popular Popcorn Parade.

The night before Popcorn Fest, participants aged eight to twelve headed to the Fairgrounds Park walking track for the 3/4 mile Jr. Kernel Run. Each young athlete left with a commemorative T-shirt. Today, Popcorn Panic, a long-standing Valpo tradition that attracts over 1,000 participants each year, took place. This event sees adult participants run or walk through the streets of the city, with the option of doing a five-mile walk/run or a shorter 5K walk/run. The male and female winners of the five-mile run each received honors like champion crowns, $250 gift cards donated by Extra Mile Fitness Company, and a spot in the Popcorn Parade.

Adriana Kimes, a Valpo resident and Popcorn Fest attendee, has attended Popcorn Fest since she was a child. Now, as a 25-year-old, she remains just as excited to participate in the festivities.

“This event brings the entire community together, regardless of our differences,” Kimes said. “It’s a very fun way for visitors to get to know this city because they can walk around, check out the local small businesses, and talk with the vendors. I always make sure I get this day off from work. It’s one of my favorite days of the year.”

The Popcorn Panic was followed by the Lit’l Kernel Puff Run during which participants aged two to nine ran up to 300 yards down Lincolnway. Each young runner was given a commemorative t-shirt and a participation ribbon.

Beth Gough, another Valpo resident and Popcorn Fest attendee, has attended Popcorn Fest for over 20 years.

“This event is always well-run, safe, and so much fun,” Gough said. “I love attending the Lit’l Kernel Puff Race because my grandchildren always look forward to it every year. Valpo is such a well-connected community. Everyone knows one another here, and that is on full display at Popcorn Fest.”

After all the Lit’l Kernel Puff Run participants had raced over the finish line, the Popcorn Parade kicked off. 100 organizations participated in this year’s parade, including the Indiana Army National Guard, Journeyman Distillery, the Kouts High School Band, and the Girl Scouts of Valparaiso & Washington Township were among the participants.

Monroe Street, Lincolnway, and Campbell Street were filled with popcorn-themed floats and costumed participants who threw candy and swag at the young attendees lining the parade path. Ivy Tech won the grand prize in the float contest for its design that depicted the Sears Tower and two giant monsters.

Bria Powell, daughter of Valparaiso University men’s basketball coach Roger Powell Jr., joined her father and his players in the Popcorn Parade this year.

“This is a big celebration for Valpo,” Bria Powell said. “I feel very safe here, and I hope everyone leaves this event knowing that Valpo is a safe place. It’s a city where they can come and live happily. Valpo is all about friendship and family, and Popcorn Fest definitely embodies those values.”