Nobody loves promoting Restaurants, Events, and Fun Things to do more than Jim Jano. So when Griegers asked this hyper-creative guy to write a monthly blog about cruising and the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, he had 2 conditions….“ Give me a cool car, and no boundaries”

The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is celebrating its 40th year, and this year’s annual event will be the biggest yet. What’s the best time to come downtown? Where do you eat? Where is the best place to meet old friends for a beer? Where are the kids activities?

On a day when 60,000 visitors from Chicago and Northwest Indiana converge on our historic downtown,  this blog will take a look at 11 Tips for a remarkable Popcorn Festival!

When it comes to great food and events, you don’t get any better than the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival. As for cool cars, you’ll want to check out my list of 3 of the coolest parade vehicles listed below my 11 Tips for a remarkable Popcorn Festival. Now…let’s get this party started!

Although Valpo has now become synonymous with festivals and events, this is the granddaddy of them all…and this year’s Popcorn Fest is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Originally meant to celebrate Valpo’s legendary Orville Redenbacher, The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continued to grow every year, and despite the madness, it seems to get better with each year. Countless family-fun activities, over 250 arts & crafts booths, 35 food booths, innovative kids games, dining el fresco at one of Valpo’s amazing downtown restaurants, or rock to a free concert with super-indie band Soul Asylum! This just might be the best festival yet.

So where do you begin? You can jump into a cool car, find parking downtown or take a shuttle (Cool shuttle…no boundaries) and start walking around. This just might work if you’re one of the 60,000 people that converge to Valpo from Chicago, but as a local from Porter County or Lake County, you’ll want to learn the inside track to where the coolest spots are.

To help learn more about this year’s Festival, I asked Valpo Popcorn Fest organizer, Jennifer Fornaro for advice, “We have so many great things to enjoy at the festival – I think you’ll find the top items will include: Parade, Kids Ultimate Poppin Play Zone, Amazing Arts and Craft Vendors, amazing food, popcorn, Main Stage Entertainment, running into friends and neighbors, the race… and don’t forget we also have the pre-week activities, including lunches and dinners. We are celebrating 40 years of fun!”

I’ve organized events, and I can tell you first hand that putting on such a big event is not for the faint of heart. Along with Tina St. Aubin, Jennifer and the remarkable team at Valpo Events they are responsible for all the cool events at Valpo’s Central Park Amphitheatre, Urschel Pavilion and around Valpo’s historic downtown district.

This is the team that puts together all our wonderful downtown events, which include the Chocolate Walk, Fall Harvest Festival, Holly Days, outdoor movies, and the Grieger’s sponsored Summer-Rhapsody Music Festival….and who could forget Valpo’s Brewfest and the Valparaiso Wine Festival. Folks, nobody can appreciate what an insanely tough job it is to run these events. Make sure if you see Jen, Tina or anyone else from Valpo Events, give them a smile and a warm thank you.

So how do you keep track? How do you decide where to go? Well, the stage is set! Here is the 2018 Griegers Motors-First Annual, “Cool Car…. No Boundaries”-11 Tips for a remarkable Popcorn Festival countdown.

11) The Popcorn Panic 5K Run/Walk & Lit’l Kernel kids race

Word on the street-Steve Antonetti will break the Popcorn Fest record for best time at this annual race… and if he does, he promises to move up from the “Lit’l Kernel” class and race adults next year. Popcorn Panic 5K Run/Walk Start (7:45am) Lit’l Kernel Puff Race (8:45am)

10) Arts and Craft Vendors

If you can’t find it, you shouldn’t have it.

9) Garage Bands from Front Porch Music

This is a favorite of Grieger’s Brad & Lucas Hallal. Every young musician needs their first break.  At Grieger’s, they call it the “New Band Launch.” Does that mean we can expect a close-out on last years bands? (12:00-2:50)  Learn more at Front Porch Music

8) 2018 Popcorn Festival Entertainment: Main Stage -Live music all day… great music, great food, great time!

A day full of music within the heart of Valpo’s incredible historic downtown. Downtown Valpo knows culture!  Featured Popcorn Fest bands include, Stop.Drop.Rewind (12pm)   –Anchors (1:30pm)    S. Joel Norman (3pm)

Valpo’s Central Park: Music, Food, & Friends

7) Popcorn, Food and Beverages at Urschel Pavilion

It is called the Valpo Popcorn Fest for a reason. Take a photo with Orville in front of the Chicagoland Popcorn area…the irony.   Chicagoland Popcorn, Pikk’s Tavern, Hero’s Hot Dogs and Martini’s (Popcorn Fest food starts at 11:00am)

6) Kids Ultimate Poppin’ Play Zone/ Corner of Michigan St & Indiana Ave-Obstacle Course, Bungee, Inflatable Challenges, Games & Food!

Definitely a cool new attraction…drop the kids off and watch them from don Quijote…

5) Running into friends and neighbors on Lincolnway in front of Court House

If meeting old friends is your bag, you won’t want to miss this!

4) Restaurante don Quijote-el fresco w/ Sangria & Spanish Wine

My personal favorite! Meeting friends & family for Sangria, el Fresco at Valpo’s original outdoor experience, Restaurante don Quijote

. This year, Chef Carlos is buying guests a Free glass of Port if they shoot a selfie with him in front of his now infamous Guerrilla Sign)

Sangria and Dining el Fresco at Don Quijote

3)Popcorn Festival Main Stage- Soul Asylum (5pm)

Insane! Watching chart topping Indie Band, Soul Asylum….and it’s Free!

Soul Asylum to Perform on Main Stage

2) Running into friends & neighbors at Beer Garden Central Park Plaza, (11:00)

No explanation required. Friends and Beer!

1) Valparaiso Popcorn Festival Parade (10:00 AM)

Some of my best Popcorn Festival memories come from arriving downtown early to reserve a parade spot.  Its a Valpo thing.  There is something special about catching up with family and friends as you wait for the parade.

Valpo Popcorn Festival and Parade celebrates 40 Years

So there you have it folks.  11 Tips for a remarkable Popcorn Festival, and with the Popcorn Parade as the #1 tip- the perfect Segway to the second part of this Grieger’s Blog– “Cool Car, No Boundaries”

3 Remarkable Parade Vehicles: Cool Car…Cool Parade 2018

#3) Chrysler Pacifica

With multi-passenger seating and side doors opened, this is a fun vehicle to dress up with Popcorn. Premium Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats & Tri-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, this is a choice for parades and named Family Car of the Year for 2018 by Cars.com.  The Grieger’s Family Favorite has been the most awarded family vehicle 3 years running.  

Grieger’s family owned Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram has served Valparaiso for over 50 Years

#2) Jeep Wrangler

The iconic Jeep has been leading parades since the United States won WWII. It was a difficult choice deciding which vehicle is the top parade car. The Jeep is my choice for the coolest, but our top choice Parade vehicle is Tough to Beat…Ram Tough!

#1) Ram Truck

To win our best parade vehicle takes some muscle and the Ram truck collection has it going on- the 1500, 2500 and 3500 have upwards of 9,000, 16,000 and 30,000 pounds of towing capacity, enough to pull any float in style. According to the Ram Zone, the Ram Limited Tungsten Edition makes a statement everywhere it goes, announcing its presence with a Tungsten Chrome grille with large R-A-M lettering front and center.

The Tungsten model goes on to turn heads as it drives by, adding a sport hood (1500 only) to the body-color matched bumpers, mirrors, door handles, running boards and black-surround headlamps.

Across the back, body-color R-A-M lettering covers the tailgate, leaving the same bold impression coming and going. Tungsten Chrome accents and badging with uniquely painted limited wheels complete the package.

Watching a Ram Tungsten drive by is one thing, but climbing into the cab is a complete immersion in luxury. Ram Tungsten builds on the popular Limited trim and takes it up a notch. Tungsten’s interior stands apart with a Light Greystone suede headliner and generous Frost and Indigo-colored leather trim throughout the cabin including the seats, instrument panel, steering wheel, center armrest and doors. Indigo floor mats with Frost carpet and Indigo binding provide a luxurious feel underfoot.

Adding yet another element of refined interior style, genuine wood trim and unique badges apply a proper finish to the range-topping trim.

The Ram Tungsten Edition is on the cutting-edge of technology, and remains, at its core, dedicated to performance.
Tungsten is equipped with the Active-Level™ four-corner air suspension (1500 models only), Uconnect® 8.4N system with navigation, remote start, ParkView® rear back-up camera,* power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and the RamBox® Cargo Management System (on Heavy Duty, 6-foot 4-inch bed only).    

 https://youtu.be/AMpZ0TGjbWE Superbowl commercial

The new ultra-luxurious 2018 Ram Limited Tungsten Edition combines refinement, efficiency and class in a powerful and capable package. With the new top-of-the-line Limited Tungsten Edition, Ram continues building high-end momentum with the highest trim level ever available in a Ram Truck.

#1 Parade Vehicle-Ram Truck

The Ram has been deemed the Official Truck of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for three years in a row. Last year, the parade utilized 70 Ram trucks, ranging from light duty 1500 models, to heavy duty 2500 and 3500 pickups. Ram also provided utility vans to serve behind the scenes and other transportation needs. The best part of Ram’s truck lineup is that there is something for everyone, no matter what their needs may be. From light hauls to heavy-duty loads, Ram has a truck that can step up to the plate and take on the challenge.  Ram Trucks  s.com/

According to Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA-Global, “Ram continues to take great pride in aligning our brand with an iconic American event like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Being the official truck of the parade provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the towing capability, style and innovation.”

Experience these show stoppers at Valpo’s Family owned Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram…  and check out Grieger’s special Popcorn Festival Sales Event.

Cool Shuttle…No Boundaries
2018 Popcorn Festival Parking, Round-trip parking shuttles ($2-$9) run from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. from Hayes Leonard Elementary School, 653 Hayes Leonard Road, or on Vale Park Road. Popcorn Fest. A parking garage is also available for $10 at Porter County Administration Center, 155 Indiana Ave. Popcorn Fest schedule, Valpo Popcorn Fest parade time, (10am) Valpo popcorn fest, popcorn fest agenda, please contact, 2018 Popcorn Fest,  Handicapped parking is available at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 E. Monroe, Popcorn Fest minutes from Valparaiso University.

Grieger’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram, Family Dealership Map 

https://youtu.be/YbUzoyGxNX8

Read more:

Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

Popcorn Fest Indiana – follow these links: restaurants in Valpo,  Porter County Museum, For further info about: restaurants in Porter County.,  Grieger’s Blog.

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