Rain could not dampen the popcorn nor the fun at the 46th annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival held in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. With a record 340 vendors, live entertainment, and endless popcorn, attendees came out in record numbers.
“We had to open up two new lots for vendors this year,” said Katie Abel, Executive Director of Valparaiso Events. “The fact that there are so many people out and about despite the rain shows the communities' dedication to the festival. We are really grateful people came out despite the weather and supported the vendors, the parade, and the bands. It is a testament to how much the community loves the popcorn fest.”
“I don’t mind rain this year. It cools it off,” said Dan Schergen.
Schergen moved to Valparaiso when he was ten and has attended the Popcorn Festival and parade almost every year since. Even though he no longer lives in Valparaiso, he continues to make the yearly trek from La Porte.
“It’s tradition,” said Schergen. “This was something I grew up doing and liked, so now I like bringing my kids to it,” said Schergen.
Allison Hallman has also been attending the festivities since she was little.
“It’s fun because the parade has so much for the kids to enjoy and after that you can see all the vendors for crafts and food options. It is so important too, that all the community comes together,” said Hallman.
Pablo Bukata echoed the community feel. Bukata, who moved to the area 25 years ago has been attending every Popcorn race and festival since.
“The festival has lots of activities, lots to see, and lots of community,” said Bukata.
He fully embraced every aspect of the day's activities. After starting his morning running in the Popcorn Panic 5k, he raced to change into his float costume as Farmer Old McDonald, and then after the parade, he was found enjoying the vendors with his wife.
“I am getting some food and around 1 p.m. I am taking a nap, if my wife lets me,” laughed Bukata. “Some people live to eat and some people eat to live. I’m doing this for my wife. I am getting her some perogies,” joked Bukata. He had already made sure to have some popcorn beforehand.
Not all were returning attendees. Some were experiencing the popcorn and festivities for the first time.
Jim Safrithis, wife Audrie, and son Christian started the morning at the 5K Popcorn Panic. Safrithis, who turned 60 last year, came out in his pursuit of fitness. This was their first Popcorn Panic and his son was marching in the parade after.
“We are getting kettle corn popcorn all the way,” said Safrithis.
Catherine Lake was a first-time attendee. Traveling from Chicago to Grandhaven, Michigan with her husband, a Valparaiso University Alumni, they made a stop at the festival.
“Seeing all the booths and catching the parade were my favorite parts,” said Lake. She too was headed for the kettle corn.
In addition to the vendors and food, attendees danced in the rain to the sounds of Johnny James, a Nashville recording artist and Northwest Indiana native. The rain cleared up just in time for a performance by Motherfolk, a Midwest Indie Rock band. For the evening, Red Roses were returning after having a memorable concert in 2023.
The events would not have been possible had it not been for sponsors such as Purdue University Northwest, Valparaiso University, Centier Bank, Indiana Beverage, Ivy Tech Valparaiso, Horizon Bank, Strack Van Til, Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso, Indiana University Northwest, and Nitco.
For more information on future events, visit the Valparaiso event page at https://www.valparaisoevents.com/