popcorn festival
schedule

Pre-Festival Events

Saturday, August 14

9:00 am - 11:30 pm
Cutest Baby (Preliminaries)
Open to all Porter County Babies between 9-24 months at the time of the contest. 162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Use back entrance. Sponsored by Regional Federal Credit Union. Click here for information and rules.

Orville Redenbacher Tent
(Central Park Plaza-Corner of Lafayette & Indiana)

For your convenience, tickets for all lunches and dinners in the Popcorn Tent can be purchased in advance one week before the Festival and during the Festival in the VCFE offices, 162 W. Lincolnway (in the Chamber of Commerce building).

Tuesday, September 7

LUNCH 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Catered by PESTO'S

DINNER 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Boys and Girls Club of Porter County

5:00 pm
Hot Wheels "Race of Champions"
5:00 pm Registration
6:00 pm Race begins
Open to all ages. $1.00 entry fee

6:30 pm
Cutest Baby Finals Sponsored by: Regional Federal Credit Union

Wednesday, September 8

LUNCH 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Catered by: BILLY JACK's

DINNER 4:30-7:00 pm
Valparaiso Downtown Dining

Entertainment 5:00 pm
VHS Varsity Singers

Thursday, September 9

LUNCH 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Catered by: Strongbow Inn

DINNER 4:30 pm-7:00 pm
Chicken BBQ - Valparaiso KIWANIS CLUB NITE

5:00 pm
AG Day Kiddie Tractor Pull
Sponsors: H&P Case, Valparaiso Kiwanis, RC&D, Porter County, Ag Committee, Morgan Twp. F.F.A. & NIHPA
Registration begins at 4:00 pm (For children 30-60 lbs., no age limit, FREE) - Many prizes

Friday, September 10

LUNCH 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Catered by: KELSEY'S

DINNER 5:00-7:00 pm
PORK CHOP DINNER
Hosted by: N.W. Indiana School Nutrition Assn. Chapter #25

Festival Day Activities Downtown Valparaiso

Saturday, September 11

7:00 am
Opening Ceremonies
Arts & Crafts Booths Open

7:30 am
Popcorn Panic 5M Run and Popcorn 5K Walk.(Map) Register at: Valpo Park Dept., Blythe's Sport Shop or Register On Line Race day registration at the Orville Redenbacher Tent

8:45 am
Lit'l Kernel Puff Race (Kiddie Run) Ages 2-9
Pre-registration at Valpo Parks Dept. *NO race day registration. Limited to 675 pre-registered children.

10:00 am
Orville Redenbacher Parade sponsored by Centier Bank

11:00 am - 6:30 pm
Orville Redenbacher Tent Valparaiso's Downtown Dining Group
Enjoy food and beverages by Bistro 157, Bon Femme Cafe, Don Quijote, Paparazzi, & Pikk's Tavern.

Main Stage

Sponsored by NIPSCO, Post Tribune, Duffy's Place, and Town and Country Market.

12:00 pm to 6:30 pm. NEW LOCATION! Central Park Plaza.
Live Local Music. Check back for details!

Front Porch Music Stage

12:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Corner of Lincolnway and Lafayette St.
Featuring students from the Garage Band 101 Course at Front Porch Music and Local Musicians

Kid's "Poppin and Play Place"

7:00 am to 6:30 pm. Franklin St. and Chase Bank Parking Lot
Inflatables, games, and food.

20th Annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show

Porter County Expo Center ($8 parking donation). Food, Entertainment, Concessions, Children's games.

Friday, September 10

6:00 pm Launch
8:00 pm Glow

Saturday, September 11

6:30 am Launch
6:00 pm Launch
8:00 pm Glow

Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides

(weather permitting)

Friday, September 10 & Saturday, September 11

5:00-9:30 pm

Additional Events

Friday, September 10

3:30-6:30 pm
Popcorn Panic packet pickup & registration & Lil'l Kernel packet pickup. Old Fairgrounds Park-Butterfield Pavilion