Valpo's Popcorn Fest Sept. 11th

Having been named the Best of the Region by The Times readers for the past 14 years, the Valparaiso Annual Popcorn Festival has become a September staple for Beach Coast inhabitants. This year's fest is Saturday, September 11th held in the heart of downtown Valparaiso incorporating a theme of "Popcorn in Paradise."

This is Valparaiso's 32nd year hosting the ode to Orville Redenbacher's popcorn legacy which attracts around 50,000 attendees every year making Valparaiso the place to be next weekend.

The downtown event will host over 200 arts and crafts booths and more than 30 food vendors. Events that happen outside of the downtown area are the Cutest Baby Contest, Rotary Popcorn Open, and the 20th Annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show (September 10th and 11th). There will also be live music on two different stages on Saturday along with a kids play place. Fun for the whole family! Go to www.valparaisoevents.com for more information for next weekend's festivities.