The streets of Valparaiso were poppin’ as runners of all ages raced through the city in celebration of the 46th annual Popcorn Festival. It all kicked off on Friday, September 6 when Valpo’s younger athletes raced to the finish line in the annual Jr. Kernel Run. This run is the first of three traditional races taking place throughout the weekend, with the Lit'l Kernel Puff Run and Popcorn Panic taking place the following day on Saturday, September 7.
All three races are made possible through Valpo Parks, where the entire team pitches in to bring thousands of eager participants to the starting line each year.
“Over 2,000 adults and children participate in our races, and hundreds more are there to spectate,” Valpo Parks Special Events Director Cristina Darr said. “It makes me feel proud to be able to help make a positive contribution to the community, but honestly it's an 'all hands on deck' situation at Valpo Parks to ensure the day is a success. Nearly every employee takes part in some way.”
The first two races, the Jr. Kernel, for ages 8-12 and Lit'l Kernel Puff, for ages 2-9, invite children to strap on their running shoes and get those steps in ahead of the equally exciting parade and festival soon to follow.
“I enjoy watching everyone having a good time on both days and the energy of the morning of the festival,” Darr said. “The Lit'l Kernel Puff race is always a blast watching all the kids run down Lincolnway before settling in to watch the parade.”
Following the children’s races comes Popcorn Panic for the adult runners. With 45 Popcorn events already under the city’s belt, the snack certainly has some deep roots planted in Valpo, and the races have evolved quite a bit over the years. For these reasons, Darr and Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau made the decision to bring some of the original history back for the Panic’s 46th run.
“We were looking to bring back some of the nostalgia from the old route while making sure that we're keeping runners safe and having fun. Running has changed over the years, but something about the Popcorn Panic keeps people coming back year after year. Our hope was that the change in route would bring out both those who ran that route in the past as well as new runners looking to join,” Darr said. "Folks were saying they missed the old route and preferred that to what we'd had for the past few years. I think it's a more interesting run versus the longer out and back, and has some additional challenges, like Harrison Hill, that will keep it exciting, and of course, the chance to win additional prizes and bragging rights adds to the fun of the day. The winners of the five mile race will also get to ride in the Popcorn Fest Parade and take home a prize pack from Extra Mile Fitness.”
Community is always at the heart of each of the races. It’s the real bread and butter - or salt and butter in Popcorn’s case - as racers and their supporters from near and far come together to celebrate legend Orville Redenbacher and the impact he has had on a city so many are proud to call home.
“Popcorn Fest in general is an event that really brings the community together, and the races are no exception,” Darr said. “I love seeing so many people in our city working together to make a great day for the community. Employees, volunteers, vendors, public safety, and more all contribute a lot of hard work to make this festival happen year after year.”
Darr additionally advises runners, even after Popcorn has concluded, to not hang up their sneakers just yet - registration for 2025’s races will be here before they know it. Be on the lookout for those updates soon, and to stay up to date with all the fun events Valpo Parks and the Valpo Parks Foundation have in store in the meantime, please visit valpoparks.org.
“The children's races sell out every year, so we encourage you to register early for next year's event!” Darr said
