As the Popcorn Festival parade ends, downtown Valparaiso takes on the look of a metropolis as Lincolnway, its major thoroughfare, and Franklin Street become pedestrian walkways. City police said more than 85,000 people jammed several blocks to enjoy popcorn and music, beer, popcorn, fun and games and more popcorn during the city’s annual popcorn party. Image captured by Rose Dougherty for The Vidette-Messenger on September 19, 1981.
Popcorn Festival III (1981) is now history, and we can look back on a remarkable day of enjoyment made possible by many, not the least of whom was the weatherman whose timing after a week of rain was spectacular.
The size of the crown certainly pleased festival organizers. The number of people still milling about late Saturday afternoon was evidence that many visitors who showed up early for the Popcorn Panic race were having a good time hours later.
What were some of the major pluses and minuses of the festival?
The parade got high marks. An often-heard comment was that the floats were far superior to those of the first two festivals. And the festival tent, which had a weeklong workout, was a popular feature.
The concerts at the high school brought forth favorable comment from many who mentioned it was a weary crowd of festivalgoers who took in the two performances of the Nashville Brass.
On the minus side was the shuttle-bus service, often the object of complaints at events where thousands depend on such transportation. People who are dragging their heels after a day of doing the festival are in no mood for a long wait for a bus to arrive.
All in all, it was a great day. Festival chairman Art Malasto and the cast of thousands needed to bring off may take a bow.