Reflections from the 47th Annual Popcorn Festival Parade

The 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks motivated firefighter Marc Mihalik from Chesterton to participate in the Popcorn Panic 5K. He walked 3.1 miles in full gear on Saturday. Mihalik faced unusual questions throughout the journey, including queries about bets or his profession. “I said yes,” he humorously responded when asked if he was a firefighter or a stripper.

Clark Cooper enjoyed a simple delight as he indulged in popcorn with family during the 47th Popcorn Festival parade in Valparaiso, Indiana, on September 12, 2026. Mihalik initially planned to participate in a local 5K race in Chesterton, which was canceled due to widespread damage from the August 11 derecho. He opted for the Popcorn Festival instead.

When reflecting on why he became a firefighter, Mihalik acknowledged the role of passion. “We’re psychotic is what we tell people,” he mentioned, “It’s a calling.” He expressed interest in future events, like stair climbs, wearing his firefighting gear.

Festival Preparation and Participation

In one of the parade’s preparing areas, Hilltop Neighborhood House’s CEO, Jennifer Wright, embraced the festive spirit with corny jokes and distributed corn hats. “We have about 100 walkers coming out today for Hilltop,” she stated. Wright cherishes the event since being part of the first Popcorn Festival in 1979.

Showcasing a rich variety of participants, Valparaiso Events recorded more than 100 entries for the parade. Donna Flanagin proudly shared her longstanding involvement in the festival, attending for 47 years. Her float occupied the 47th spot in the parade. Flanagin, who had recently sold her business, Flanagin’s Bulk Mail, enjoys retirement in Valparaiso.

Flanagin’s dedication to the festival is partly driven by the children’s excitement. “We do this for the children,” she said, emphasizing the joy they bring. Flanagin’s daughter experienced the first festival at just one year old.

Creative Float Enthusiasts

Leonard and Linda Kazmirski of Mishawaka turned a 23-foot boat trailer into a patriotic float. Their creative journey started in 2011 with an eight-foot float for the South Bend Little League. They won first place and later participated in a national Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C. Lou Holtz enthusiastically interacted with their float, making the parade memorable despite being a brief six-block path. Linda wished for a photo opportunity with the White House and their float.

The Kazmirskis attend around 25 to 30 parades annually, with about 10 during the Christmas season. They favor night parades for their vibrant light displays.

Community Engagement

Valparaiso Police Department’s honor guard marched with the colors at the Popcorn Festival parade. Scott Gabel and the St. Paul Men’s Club staffed a tent selling brats and hot dogs to raise funds for charity. The hope was clear weather would help them sell all 3,100 hot dogs and brats. Last year’s rain led to leftovers. Profits aimed at supporting charities like St. Agnes adult daycare.

Gabel values the club’s longstanding festival presence, consistently at the same spot since the first Popcorn Festival. The club’s involvement highlights the church’s community presence and enhances visibility for those seeking a parish connection.