Your VIP Access Pass to Our Popcorn Festival Festivities

We are excited to be in the middle of the action for this year's 33rd Annual Popcorn Festival. If you're not familiary with the layout, this should give you a general idea of the key locations for the events.

• Fine Arts Row is at the intersection of Lincolnway and Washington Street - the East edge of our downtown city block and features over 200 arts and crafts booths along the city sidewalks.
  
• Front Porch Music Stage that showcases local talent from the Region will be located at the corner of Michigan St. and Lincolnway.
  
• Main Stage performance by Cracker at 5pm is scheduled on the new Porter Health Amphitheater in Central Park Plaza at the South Edge of our downtown city block.
  
• Orville Redenbacher Tent is at the intersection of Lincolnway and Lafayette St along the West edge of our downtown city block.

The Orville Redenbacher Tent will begin hosting community events starting Tuesday leading up to the big event on Saturday, Sept. 10. For all the details, visit the official website at www.valparaisoevents.com. On Saturday, our Arts Experience will be open to the general public with activity both along the front sidewalk, throughout the studio & gallery, including our community classroom.

Since we anticipate that we will have more requests to enter our shop than we can handle comfortably, we are sending you a VIP ACCESS PASS at the end of this email that will give you priority access on this busy day of browsing for family fun. Please make sure you bring it with you so that we can get you behind the scenes to the exciting events we've built for you and your family & friends.

We look forward to seeing you on this festive Arts weekend!

Day 1 - Friday, September 09

10am - 8pm Operating Hours for rTrail Collective Edge

We are a proud sponsor of the 21st Valparaiso Kiwanis BalloonFest on Friday and Saturday September 9-10, 2011.

The Festival takes place on Friday & Saturday at the Porter County Expo Center on Hwy 49 south of US 30.

• Enjoy a mass Hot Air Balloon Launch at 6 p.m.
  
• Stick around for a Hot Air Balloon Glow at 8 p.m.
  
• Evening ends with a dazzling show reflecting the many colors of the balloons as they are synchronized with music to light the evening sky.

Day 2 - Saturday, September 10

7am Popcorn Panic 5 Mile Race & Kids Events
9am Claim Your Sidewalk Spot for a Popcorn Parade
10am - 8pm Operating Hours for rTrail Collective Edge

We will be hosting a Public Art project and giving families FREE hands-on experiences for those who want to get hands on with art in our Community Classroom.

There is no charge for this activity. Space is limited. First come, First serve. VIP Access Passes will be given priority.

1pm to 6pm Guest Appearances by our Indiana Artisans

We will be hosting local artists and demonstrating modern fine art forms in our main gallery as ETSY.com Artsy Locals Showcase debuts on this Festival Weekend and runs through the Holidays. Find signature items from e-Retail Owners at ActonCreative, AMF Studios, shannonhinkledesigns, Brite Design and more!

Day 3 - Sunday, September 11

10am - 5pm Operating Hours for rTrail Collective Edge

Connect with other NWI www.etsy.com shopkeepers and share your entrepreneurial spirit at our "Casual Crafternoon Caucus" monthly meet up event on Sunday, September 11 from 1pm to 3pm.

• Light snacks, business skill-building and creative conversation with local arts entrepreneurs will fill the gallery with energy.
  
• Artisans will demonstrate for festival weekend shoppers ready to learn more from those who create their own artistry.

Our mission is to inspire the creative spirit within you to help us build a healthy community. We are honored to be the local arts experience that offers midwest region creative craftsmen a place to teach, demonstrate, exhibit, inspire conversation and sell original works of art. We look forward to many more community celebrations!