This past week was Popcorn Week in Valparaiso. While it's a shame that Orville passed on several years ago and is no longer around to celebrate with the community, the old corn kernel's spirit lives on and everyone had a good time as always.........
Tuesday night started off with the Hot Wheels race. The kids had fun racing their Hot Wheels cars. We only entered 2 cars in the race, unlike the many other competitive kids (read: adults) who looked like they were entering 133 each! A few kids went home with an award. Not mine.
To top it off, we racked up a $2.50 ATM fee to get cash for the tacos and burritos being served in the tent that night, only to wait in line for 30 minutes and then be told that they had run out of food (and popcorn doesn't quite cut it for dinner).
Let's go car #123 and car #124!!!
On Friday, the Stage and Benton families headed down to the giant tent and watched my favorite group, The Good Time Cloggers! Apparently, the Cloggers have evolved into the "Happy Tappers" because clogs were nowhere to be seen. Damn them for not preserving the art of clog dancing! After 2 minutes of happy tapping ( a record for the Stage and Benton families), we left the giant tent in pursuit of supper.
Happy Clogging!
Mesmerized by the Cloggers!
On foot, we made our way through the Gothic skateboarding hoodlums (Valpo's finest) and ended up at Tony's Pizza, along with the rest of Valparaiso. After some tasty pizza (and beer for the grown-ups....along with a sneaky sip by William!), we walked back through the crowd of hoodlums, stopped to watch an EMT treat a vomiting man (I think he had a little too much clogging) and walked home.
Saturday was race day for most of the Stage Family. Brian was up early for the Popcorn Panic, a five-miler that he ran with our neighbor, Jeff. They both finished. Brian didn't even break a sweat (although his legs are paying for it now). I would have run too, but someone had to watch the kids...LOL!
The kids were also up early for the Lit'l Kernel Races. After Brian came home, we walked back downtown. William ran first with the rest of the 4 year olds. Actually, Brian and Claudia ran with him. He needed a little extra support. Then Claudia ran with her age group. Claudia's running buddy was a Valpo University basketball player. What a height difference between the two! Both came home with ribbons. They were excited (and still sleepy). The races were a hoot to watch. I couldn't believe the crowds! People were everywhere, lining the street and even hanging out of windows above the street!! The best part was listening to the crowd cheer for every single kid as they ran down Lincolnway. Way to go Valpo!
Go William, Go!!!!
Check out my ribbon!
I got a ribbon too!
The parade followed after the Lit'l Kernel races. We always pick a spot on Cambell to watch the parade. The narrators are also on Cambell. They were in rare form this year. The woman narrating called the marching Democratic Party (carrying Obama signs galore) the Republican Party. She then realized her error, after several minutes, and apologized. The man narrator kept using the same phrase for all the marching bands (it seemed like there were 103). "Listen to their dulcet tone!" (whatever?!?!) The kids always love the parade!
Grand Prize Float made of, what else, but POPCORN!
Just watching.
We eventually made it back downtown for a quick walk around the square and an ice cream. It was really crowded and the kids were getting cranky. Headed home and went to bed early!
What a poppin' fun week!
2 comments:
That all looks like a lot of fun!! I loved the pic of Brian and the kids crossing the finish line. I think JOhn is going to try to do the Chicago mini next weekend, do you want to join him Brian?:) He hasn't done any training, but whatever helps him stomp out his stress I say go for it. Holly :)
Gotta love the popcorn fest. My mom worked at the bank downtown for years. I've helped to make many a popcorn float. Even met Orville once:)
Post a Comment