popcorn festival
september 11, 2010
always the Saturday
after Labor Day
Celebrating its 32nd year and named the “Best Festival of the Region” by The Times readers for 13 years, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continues to offer family-fun activities for all ages. Over 200 arts & crafts booths, 30 food booths, kids’ games, the five-mile Popcorn Panic, and the nation’s First Popcorn Parade are only the beginning of the excitement of this incredible festival.
It all began in 1979, when the idea to bring a festival to the city popped up in the minds of the Valparaiso city leadership. Who better to solute than a Valparaiso native who became a household name with his very own brand of popcorn? Orville Redenbacher – America’s Popcorn King - was the inspiration behind the very first Popcorn Festival and the Nation’s First and Finest Popcorn Parade.
Today, over 30 years since the idea became reality, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is a family favorite that draws visitors from near and far.
The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is located in beautiful downtown Valparaiso, kicking off with the Popcorn Panic at 7 a.m. and wrapping up at 6:30 p.m. Plenty of off-site parking is available with a shuttle bringing you downtown.
Booth Application Requests for Popcorn Fest Now Available
Do have unusual items or handmade arts and crafts that everyone will want to buy? Reserve a booth at the Popcorn Fest street bazaar and watch your items sell off the shelves! For more information…
2nd Annual Popcorn Festival Poster Design Contest Winner
Friday and Saturday
September 10-11, 2010
Porter County Expo Hwy 49 south of US 30
Join us for an evening of family entertainment
as we enjoy the mass hot air balloon launch at
approximately 6:00 pm on
Friday & Saturday. Hot air Balloon Glow at 8pm
in a dazzling show reflecting the many colors
of the balloons as they are synchronized with
music to light the evening sky. Saturday, Sept.
11 Morning Hot Air Balloon Launch, gates open at
6 am. Following the launch, entertainers will keep
your toes tapping while waiting for the balloons to return.
(Porter County Expo Center - $8.00 per car load
Parking Donation. Food, Entertainment, Concessions,
Children's Games).