VALPARAISO | When the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival opens on Sept. 6; it will mark the 30th anniversary of the signature event for Valparaiso Community Festivals & Events., Inc. (VCFE)

"What started as a Chamber of Commerce event to recognize Orville Redenbacher, who developed his popcorn business in the city has turned into one of the top summer festivals in the State," said Glennas Kueck, who is chairing this year's event after having served several years as executive director of the hosting organization.

This year's theme is "30 Years of Popcorn & Memories".

"This years is a significant milestone for this event and the VCFE board of directors felt it appropriate, at this time, to recall those many memories for current residents, those who have moved away and return with happy thoughts about the events, and for the many visitors who come from throughout the state, the Chicagoland area, and across the country to participate in this event," added Kueck.

Scheduled annually for the Saturday after Labor Day, the one day festival is preceded by a week of activities in the Orville Redenbacher tent including daily lunches and dinners and a variety of entertainment and activities.

The highlight of the Festival day is the annual Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Parade, carrying on the Orville Redenbacher legacy in the city where he developed his famous popcorn. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Calumet Avenue. at Bush Street and winds through the heart of town on Lincolnway, then North on Campbell Street to Ben Franklin Middle School.

The parade features floats decorated with popcorn both popped and kernels and often other parts of the popcorn plant including the stalks and tassels.. (Popcorn for float building is available from the festival office at no charge to those participating in the parade). Popping starts six weeks before the festival and it is done daily.

Grand marshall for this year's parade is: Mark A. Heckler, 18th president of Valparaiso University celebrating its 150th year in 2008. Heckler assumed the presidency July 1.

A complete schedule of activities for Festival day and the week before, including dinner and lunch times, sponsors and caterers, can be found on the Festival website: www.popcornfest.org .

Other activities planned for this year's Popcorn Festival include:

· More than 300 craft and food booths line the downtown streets and parking lots from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

· Popcorn Panic 5M run and Popcorn 5K walk are set for 7 a.m. Registration information can be found on the Festivals web site: www.popcornfest.org . Pre-registration is available at the Valparaiso Park Dept. or Blythe's Sport Shop and online at www.valparaisoparks.org .

· Lil'l Kernel Puff (Kiddie Run) for ages: 2-9 is set for 8:45 a.m. Limited to 675 children, all must be pre-registered.

· Kid's "Poppin & Play Place", open during festival hours at Lafayette St. south of Lincolnway and features inflatable's, games, food, storytelling and more.

· NIPSCO Popcorn Main Stage will highlight a number of music acts, at corner of Lincolnway and Washington, featuring starting at noon live bands including: The ExPeRiEnCe, Vertigo U2 Band, Traveling Beatleburys, Stan Skibby and the Band of Gypies. NIPSCO is sponsoring this event.

· On the Poppin' Fest 2nd Stage, now located on Lincolnway at the 5/3 ATM lot, four music acts are scheduled to appear beginning at noon including The Crawpuppies, Chester Brown, Planetary Blues Band and Cowboy Helmut.

Other Festival Activities:

Events held before and after the main Sept. 6 Festival include:

· 18h Annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show featuring balloon glows and launches is scheduled for two days, Sept. 5 with a 5:30 pm. launch, 8 p.m. glow and Sept. 6, 6:30 a.m. launch, 5:30 p.m. launch, 8 p.m. glow. Activities additionally include food, entertainment, concessions and children's games. This event is held at the Porter County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. There is an $8 parking donation.

· Hot Wheels "Race of Champions" is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 2. Registration is a 5 p.m. Race begins at 6 p.m. Open to all ages. $1 entry fee.

· New this year is the Cornhole Game/Tournament, 6 p.m. Sept. 3, hosted by VCFE.

· Community Theater Guild presents "The Jungle Book" 7 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5.

--For The Times