The 30th annual Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Fest is Saturday. A number of events are happening in Valparaiso.
* The 18th annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show featuring balloon glows and launches is scheduled for two days, tonight with a 5:30 p.m. launch, 8 p.m. glow and Saturday with a 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.
*The annual Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning on Calumet Avenue at Bush Street.
*The Valparaiso Woman's Club will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs at the Popcorn Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy lunch on the porch of the clubhouse at 102 Washington St. Call (219) 464-9145.
* Crafts and food booths line the downtown streets and parking lots from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Popcorn Panic 5K run and Popcorn 5K walk are set for 7 a.m. Register at www.popcornfest.org.
* Lil' Kernel Puff (Kiddie Run) for ages: 2-9 is set for 8:45 a.m.; 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.
--For The Times
