Every year at about this time in September, the city of Valparaiso pulls out the big guns for its annual Popcorn Festival. After all, Orville Redenbacher did used to live in Valparaiso and have a seed corn plant in the area. The festival first started in 1979. At that time Mr. Redenbacher used to lead off the parade, but not anymore, bless his soul.
I've attended to two of the festivals, last year and this year, and already I have had two completely different experiences. Last year I was new to Valpo. I got up early to see the parade, and walked around a pedestrian friendly downtown with copious booths selling all sorts of crafts and other useless items. This year, I participated. I skipped the parade and arrived in the late afternoon just in time to sell a couple dozen hot dogs to support the men's homeless shelter in Valparaiso. Our church organized a booth to both raise money and support the community. I didn't have time to walk around to see much of the festivities, because by the time I was done volunteering, vendors had already decided that it was time to pack up and go home.
Even though I didn't see the parade, I think I enjoyed myself much better this year. Instead of getting, I gave. And it gave me a sense of belonging, to good ole' Valpo.
2 comments:
It was great having you serve at the booth those last 3 hours, Derik! Thanks!
The Popcorn Festival isn't the kind of thing I would attend on my own... but I've had a lot of fun working the booth for the past 8 years! It really is different when you participate!
By the way, how about a little link love for the church? Could you edit the post to change "Our church" to "Our church"?
you got it.
Post a Comment