Get geared up for Popcorn Fest

Where did summer go? Seems like just short a time ago the kids were beginning their lazy days of summer. I hope the first days of the new school year were great. My boys bounded out of bed each morning ready to start each day. They are wide-eyed and ready to learn great things from amazing teachers. We are looking forward to new adventures with our first- and fifth-graders.

Popcorn Festival on Sept. 11 is nearing quickly. Always beginning the day is the Popcorn Panic and Lil Kernel Puff Race. There is time to register. You can call the parks department at (219) 462-5144 or visit online at valparaisoparks.org. We are excited about the entertainment lineup. The main stage will feature four great bands. Country band Hoosier Highway (myspace.com/hoosierhighwayband) will kick off the day at noon, followed by The Urbanites (urbanitesmusic.com), who play alternative rock and originals. Next, originals and classic rock from the '60s to today will come from The Crawpuppies (crawpuppies.com) and the final band will be Eric "Guitar" Davis and the Troublemakers (ericguitardavis.com), playing Chicago-style blues.

In addition to Popcorn Festival, Kiwanis will host the 20th annual Hot Air Balloon Show on Sept. 10 and 11 at the Porter County Expo Center. Check out valpokiwanis.org for more information. Also, the Valparaiso Rotary Club will host the Rotary Popcorn Open on Sept. 9. This golf outing will be played at The Course at Aberdeen. You can contact Steve Massa at smassa@smassa.com for more information. Kiwanis and Rotary have a long tradition of community involvement.

The Orville Redenbacher Tent will serve lunch Sept. 7 and dinner Sept. 10. You can find the detailed list of the schedule on our website at valparaisoevents.com.

We hope you are able to make the Popcorn Festival events part of your calendar.

The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Tina St. Aubin is the city of Valparaiso director of special events. She can be reached at (219) 464-8332.