- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
BY AZURE DOMSCHKE | Thursday, January 23, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
Times Staff Writer
VALPARAISO -- This year, the Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events office will be doing a lot of reminiscing.
The Popcorn Festival turns 25 in September, with the theme "Popcorn Cheers 25 Years." The theme was revealed Wednesday during Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events' annual meeting.
"It's the opportunity to go back and reflect on some of your favorite themes, and some of your favorite festivals," said Popcorn Festival Chairman Steve Doniger. "The concept is the whole festival itself coming together and the community coming together."
VCFE Executive Director Glennas Kueck has been doing some reminiscing, as well. Next Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of the car accident that kept her away from her passion for the Popcorn Fest for about six months. Kueck's van was struck head-on by a driver who swerved on the slippery roads that day. She suffered multiple injuries -- a bruised heart, a cracked sternum, a fractured wrist, a fractured ankle, facial injuries and a crushed left heel.
"When I look back on it, the first six months dealt with the accident and medical problems. In June, they let me back in the office for 12 hours a week. It was an interesting time for me. I was completely isolated from the world I knew," Kueck said.
She's still nursing her left foot, and wears an air cast.
"My body's not quite there. I've got six months of rehabilitation on my left foot. I've come miles and miles from where I've started out," Kueck said. "It's been an overwhelming experience to see the outpouring of the community. I'm so glad. The most important thing -- other than the fact that I'm alive -- is going back and being allowed to do what I love."
During the meeting, retiring Treasurer Tony Shivley said Valparaiso festivals grossed $266,000 in 2002. The VCFE made a $10,000 net profit.
"This may shock you for an organization of our size," Shivley said.
Organizers will depend on help from the community in planning this year's festival, scheduled for Sept. 6. They're looking for old photos, stories and anything else that would contribute to the celebration.
"We asked this question: 'If you've been coming to the festival or if you've been part of the 75,000 people who come every year, what are some of the things you'd expect on the anniversary?' " Doniger said.
An addition to the 2003 Popcorn Fest is a family night Sept. 5. According to Kueck, this night is a way for the community to celebrate before thousands of visitors arrive for the fest. The Friday before festival day used to be a recognition night for Valparaiso native and Popcorn Fest inspiration Orville Redenbacher.
"We'd had other people come to us and say, 'Remember the recognition night we used to have for Orville? We need to come back to the emphasis of Friday night and make it family night,' " Kueck said.
New for 2003
VCFE announced a new festival -- the Fine Arts Festival at Rogers Lakewood Park -- scheduled for Oct. 4 and 5. It will be a family-style event for all ages. Details, including entertainment, are being arranged.
* Azure Domschke can be reached at adomschk@nwitimes.com or (219) 462-5151, Ext. 353.
Back to story No comments posted.
- It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
- It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
- It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
- It promoted violence or illegal acts.
- It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.
In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.
Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.
Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.
If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.
For more information please read our Terms of Service.