BEST FESTIVAL (NWI)

Pierogi Fest

119th Street and Indianapolis Boulevard, Whiting, Ind., 219.659.0292, pierogifest.net

The Whiting Pierogi Fest, with almost 200,000 attendees every year, is a way for the city to celebrate its heritage and have a little fun! Because of the large Eastern European population in Whiting, the community remembers its ethnic roots, via the pierogi as a symbol, and spends three days singing, dancing, telling stories, and of course eating, all while being surrounded by people dressed in babushkas and as life-size version of these delicious dumplings.

Mr. Pierogi, a cultural icon, is always present, ensuring that the tale of how the pierogi fest originated, but the highlight of the festival is the Friday night Polka Parade. The old and the young alike will enjoy the merriment. This year's 16th annual Pierogi Fest will take place from July 29 to 31.

SECOND PLACE

Lake County Fair

Lake County Fairgrounds, Crown Point, Ind., 219.663.3617, lake-county-fair.com

THIRD PLACE

Popcorn Festival

Valparaiso, Ind., 219.464.8332, valparaisoevents.com/popcorn festival