POPCORN FESTIVAL
VALPARAISO POPCORN FESTIVAL, INDIANA 11-12 SEPTEMBER 2009
Popcorn is an international , favourite with 1.5 billion lbs consumed annually in the United States. The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival has been held every year since 1979. Valparaiso claims the title of Popcorn Capital of the USA and its festival honours a native of Indiana called Orville Redenbacher who became The Popcorn King of America.
The festival offers family-fun activities for all ages with over 500 food and craft booths in beautiful downtown Valparaiso in Porter County, Indiana.
After the opening ceremony on Saturday, 11th September, the fitter ones can compete in The Popcorn Panic, five mile run or for the less fit, the five km walk. Kids, aged 2-9 can get in the act with the Lit’L Kernal Puff Race which is one block in length.
The highlight on the Saturday is the unique Popcorn Parade which was attended by Orville Redenbacher until his death in 1995 at the age of 88.
The 19th Annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show has launches, morning and evening on the Friday and Saturday at The Porter County Expo. The evening launches are the most spectacular with the multi coloured balloons set against the evening sky, accompanied by synchronised music. Visitors can also enjoy tethered balloon rides.
The Main Stage at the Central Park Plaza and The Front Page Stage at Lincoln Way provide music for all tastes from 1200-1830 daily.
Meanwhile, the kids can be left safely and entertained in The Kids Poppin and Play Place in Franklin Street
Popcorn is planted in the Spring, grows in Summer and is harvested in the Fall. The seed are sizzled in oil, blasted in microwaves and cooked over campfires. If there are ways to cook popcorn, someone has already discovered it.
Valparaiso celebrates this universal comfort food and whether you are a popcorn lover or not, the place to be for family fun is the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival in September 2009.
INDIANAPOLIS 500 FESTIVAL
The Indy 500 24 May 2009
The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, often shortened to The Indy 500, is the legendary automobile race held annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The 2009 Race has for its theme, Laps, Legends and Legacy - The 100th Anniversary.
This event, probably one of the Greatest Spectacles in Motor Racing, attracts up to 500,000 visitors to Indiana.
While the motor race is famous worldwide, many people will not know of the associated Indianapolis 500 Festival, which has provided great entertainment for families since its inception in 1957. With one of the nation’s premier parades and the largest outdoor festival for kids, The Indianapolis 500 Festival has become a top event in the USA.
While there are Indy 500 Festival events throughout May, in this article we concentrate on the major attractions immediately prior to Race Day on Sunday 24 May.
CHASE 500 FESTIVAL KID’S DAY SUNDAY 17 MAY
You and your kids will not want to miss this one! This year’s theme is Batman and Robin, who will perform daily. The fun-filled day also has Mini Car Racing, Games, Face Painting, Clowns, Entertainment and of course, Food.
CHASE 500 FESTIVAL ROOKIE RUN
Also on Sunday 17 May is the non-competitive, mini marathon for kids. Kids aged 3-12 can run and everyone is a winner and will receive a goodies bag and a medal, just like the grown-ups. 3-5 year oldscover a 2-block course, 6-7 1/4 mile with 8-12 running 1/2 mile in downtown Indianapolis.
FESTIVAL COMMUNITY DAY 20 MAY
Here is your opportunity to experience a unique view of the Raceway by driving your own car around the circuit. Visit the Pit Lane, tour the official facilities, collect autographs, visit the Hall of Fame and listen to great music.
INDIANAPOLIS 500 FESTIVAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FRIDAY 22 MAY
The festival embraces Memorial Day and The Memorial Service recognises the ultimate sacrifices made by men and women of the armed forces both from Indiana and the Nation. Speakers include distinguished military officers, The Governor of Indiana and the Mayor of Indianapolis. The service normally concludes with a flypast of USAF aircraft.
THE IPL 500 FESTIVAL PARADE SATURDAY 23 MAY
The Annual Indianapolis 500 Parade is the highlight of the Festival and this year celebrates 52 years of tradition. The pageant includes national celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, spectacular floats and giant helium-filled balloons. Children will enjoy the sight of favourite characters such as Sponge Bob Spare Parts and Dinosaur and Wags from The Wiggles. In line with tradition, the 33 qualified race drivers act as Parade Marshalls.
After these great events, you can settle down to watch the race itself on Sunday, 24 May.
Before you head home, a must from the many food vendors at The Indy 500, is the traditional choice of a pork tenderloin sandwich which is a well known Midwestern creation
Enjoy one of the world’s largest, single day, sporting events.
POPCORN FESTIVAL - VALPARAISO, INDIANA
Continuing our theme of Summer and Autumn Festivals, why not consider a visit to the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival on Saturday, 6 September 2008.
Valparaiso claims the title of “Popcorn Capital of USA”, although another six cities contest this claim. The city is in Porter County, Indiana. Its site was included in the purchase of land from the Potawatomi Indians in 1832 and was originally known as Porterville.
Native Americans enjoyed “popping corn” hundreds of years ago. Today America consumes 1.5 billion lbs of popcorn yearly.
The Valparaiso Festival has for its theme “30 years of Popcorn and Memories.” It began in 1979 and for the last 12 years has been named as “The Best Festival in the Region.”
Since the first festival in 1979, Valparaiso has continued to honour the man who became America’s Popcorn King. Orville Redenbacher was born in Brazil, Indiana and from an early age was obsessed with developing the perfect popcorn. He died in 1995 at the age of 88 and his brand of popping corn continues to be among the most popular in the United States.
The festival is located in beautiful downtown Valparaiso from 7.00am to 6.30pm on Saturday, 6 September 2008. It offers family fun activities for all ages. It has over 500 food and craft booths, children’s games and rides and live entertainment. For the athletic ones there is a 5-mile run (Popcorn Panic) and a 5KM walk for those not so fit.
The highlight is the unique Popcorn Parade which was attended by Orville Redenbacher until his death in 1995.
Other activities are the spectacular Hot Air Balloon launches at Porter County Expo on the Friday and Saturday, 5-6 September 2008. Following the launch, entertainers will keep the feet tapping while you await the return of the balloons.
Popcorn lover or not, this is another fun festival for all the family.
