Participants in Saturday’s Popcorn Festival parade in downtown Valparaiso agreed the miles of marching were worth it. So did the attendees.

“It’s just packed with people,” Mayor Jon Costas said, after witnessing the crowd along the parade route from atop a float.

“It’s like a Midwest Mardi Gras,” Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper said.

Elyse Bagnall, left, takes a picture of Anna Bagnall and Holly King during the 46th annual Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. The trio lives in Wheatfield. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Instead of beads, he and others tossed candy to children along the route. “I have to listen to my father’s advice because he’s done many of these parades,” Harper said.

Harper didn’t listen hard enough, he said, because the 50 pounds of candy he had purchased wasn’t enough. By the time his team got to Campbell Street, it was all gone. “We’re always overzealous at the beginning.”

Along the long parade route, Harper enjoyed seeing clients he has helped as township trustee and hoped others would get the word that the township is there to help.

Visibility matters for participants, helping bring awareness to their audience. They brought entertainment, too.

“It’s a lot of interesting things,” said Jodi Wayman, who sat on her brother’s porch to watch the parade, an annual tradition for her.

“I get to see my grandkids in the parade,” she said. Wayman’s daughter was with the Valparaiso Republican contingent.

Her brother participated, too, operating the Beer Pedaler.

Sarah Zosso and son Ben, 1, watch as her son Reed, 4, passes by during the Lit’l Kernel Puff Run during the 46th annual Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Joe Roe, of Crown Point, was on the Beer Pedaler, a 15-person ride. Going downhill was fun, but going back uphill took some effort.

Tracie Roe, also of Crown Point, called it “the best parade in Porter County.”

Costas played guitar and sang despite having a bad cold.

“We look forward to it every year,” he said. “People are so accommodating.”

“I have a really good band behind me,” he said, sharing the credit for the performance.

“It all came together a couple of hours before the parade.”

Members of the Valparaiso Community Schools marching band play through downtown during the Popcorn Parade at the 46th annual Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana, Saturday, September 6, 2025. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

That was a familiar refrain.

Cindy Hall, executive director for resource development at Ivy Tech Community College, said the college’s float was “a lot of work, but it was worth it.” Faculty, staff and students worked together to pop popcorn, nail chicken wire together and perform other tasks.

Ryan Segally, assistant vice chancellor, did the design work, beginning that task months ago.

The crew worked late into the night to put the final touches on the award-winning float.

LaVonte Dority, of Chicago, is assistant basketball coach at Valparaiso University. “It’s an amazing experience for the guys to get out here and represent the university in the community,” he said.

The long hike wasn’t a problem for his team. “We’re conditioning for the season. This walk is really minor for us,” he said.

Thirteen-year-old Logan Johnson, of Wheatfield, takes time from gathering candy for a quick high five during the Popcorn Parade at the 46th annual Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Cosplaying was popular.

Liz Slucas, of Cicero, was dressed as a transport security officer from Solo in the Star Wars pantheon. Her group, the 501st Northern Darkness Garrison, cosplays as various Star Wars characters to bring joy to hospitalized children and others.

“This is very different from what I usually do,” at charity events, she said.

Alec Meisberger, of Valparaiso, dressed as Captain America. “I’ve done this since I was 18. It brings me joy. It brings me happiness. It brings me all the good things in life,” he said.

Bodi Profit, a member of the Valparaiso schools orchestra, played while he walked. “I actually enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would,” he said.

Celia Gorz, of Valparaiso, marched with the Girl Scouts, carrying a large flag. “It’s heavy,” she said.

Gorz has been a Girl Scout for eight or nine years. “It’s very fun. I like going camping and a lot of activities. I’ve built friendships. We’re really close.”

Treats are handed out during the Popcorn Parade at the 46th annual Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Nearly 100 participating organizations and floats took part in the event. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

“It’s happiness. It’s a joy,” said Stephanie Pyait, of Highland, who carried a banner for VNA Hospice. People along the route were grateful. “Thank you, Hospice. Thank you, VNA,” Pryait said they told her.

“It’s all about the community,” said Demetrious Lewis, communications specialist with the Porter County Health Department, as he drove the agency’s pickup truck. “It’s important to have a presence,” offering a chance to let residents know about the services the health department provides.

County Councilman Greg Simms walked with the department, interacting with the spectators. “Next thing you know, you’re 100 yards behind” and have to run to catch up with the others, he said.

“I love it,” Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon said. “It’s a great way for our community to meet the people from the police.”

“It’s a great day for a walk. It’s a great day for Valparaiso. It’s a great day for Northwest Indiana,” said Don Babcock, director of economic development and community relations at Purdue University Northwest.

Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/07/valparaisos-popcorn-fest-parade-brings-visibility/