The streets of Valparaiso were bustling with activity 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 crossed the finish line at the annual Jr. Kernel Run. This race is the first of three traditional races held throughout the weekend. The Lit’l Kernel Puff Run and Popcorn Panic will take place the following day, Saturday, September 7.
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All three races are made possible by Valpo Parks, where the entire team pitches in to bring thousands of enthusiastic participants to the starting line each year.
“Over 2,000 adults and children participate in our races and hundreds more attend as spectators,” said Cristina Darr, Valpo Parks’ special events director. “It makes me proud to be able to make a positive contribution to the community, but honestly, at Valpo Parks, it’s all hands on deck to make sure the day is a success. Almost every employee participates in some way.”
At the first two races, the Jr. Kernel for 8- to 12-year-olds and the Lit’l Kernel Puff for 2- to 9-year-olds, kids are invited to put on their running shoes and get a few steps in before the equally exciting parade and festival begins soon.
“I enjoy seeing everyone having fun both days and feeling the energy on the morning of the festival,” said Darr. “The Lit’l Kernel Puff race is always a lot of fun watching the kids run down Lincolnway before they settle down to watch the parade.”
Following the kids’ races comes Popcorn Panic for the adult runners. With 45 popcorn events under the city’s belt, the snack definitely runs deep in Valpo, and the races have evolved quite a bit over the years. For these reasons, Darr and Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau decided to bring back some of the original history for the 46th running of Popcorn Panic.
“We wanted to bring back some of the nostalgia of the old course while making sure runners were safe and having fun. Running has changed over the years, but something about the Popcorn Panic keeps people coming back year after year. We hoped changing the course would attract both those who have run this course in the past and new runners who want to join in,” said Darr. “People said they miss the old course and prefer it to the one we’ve had in recent years. I think it’s a more interesting run than 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 makes the day even more fun. Winners of the five-mile race also get to walk in the Popcorn Fest Parade and take home a prize package from Extra Mile Fitness.”
Community is at the heart of every race. It’s the true bread and butter – or salt and butter in the case of popcorn – as racers and their supporters come together from near and far to celebrate the legend that was Orville Redenbacher and the impact he had on a city that 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,” said Darr. “I’m happy to see so many people in our city working together to provide a great day for the community. Staff, volunteers, vendors, public safety and more all put in a lot of hard work to make this festival happen year after year.”
Darr also advises runners not to hang up their sneakers even after Popcorn is over—registration for the 2025 races will be closing sooner than you think. Keep an eye out for those updates, and to stay up to date on all the fun events Valpo Parks and the Valpo Parks Foundation have planned in the meantime, please visit valpoparks.org.
“The kids’ races sell out every year, so we recommend you register early for next year’s event!” said Darr
