Visit the Valpo Parks website for information on all programs at www.ValpoParks.org. Registration is available online for most programs, in person at the Parks Office at 3210 N. Campbell St., or by phone at 219.462.5144.
Popcorn Panic Registration and Packet Pick-up
The traditional race that marks the beginning of the Popcorn Fest for many with the 5 mile run or 5K walk takes place Saturday, September 6 at Central Park Plaza. Start time is 7:30 AM for those ages 10 and over. Registration is available until 7:00 AM on race day at Central Park Plaza. Price is $35 per person. Packet pick-up is at Extra Mile Fitness on Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Friday, packet pick-up is from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at the Butterfield Pavilion at Calumet and Evans in Valpo.
Lit’l Kernel Puff Registration and Packet Pick-up
Kids aged 2 to 9 years old can participate in the race tradition of Popcorn Fest with this kid-friendly version! Kids run for fun in age group heats; distances vary from 100 to 300 yards. Everyone who runs receives a participation ribbon. Register early as space is limited to 675 kids. Price is $20 per person. Packet pick-up is Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at the Butterfield Pavilion at Calumet and Evans in Valpo.
Daddy Daughter Date Night for ages 2 to 12
Dads, Grandfathers, Uncles or Caregivers can bring their special girl for a night of memorable food, music and entertainment. The Butterfield Pavilion will be decked out in a Candyland theme for this special night on Sunday, September 21 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Price is $20 per couple and $10 each additional sibling.
Friday Night Science ages 6 to 12
Parents can get a couple hours to themselves on Friday night as Discovery Cottage is turned into a science lab. Electric Circuits will be the subject on September12 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The science class is for youth ages 6 -12 and is located at 1155 Harrison Boulevard from. Price is $25 for city residents and $37 for non-residents.
Wine, Stein, and Spirits Fall Color Tour
Take a three stop tour to experience fall's seasonal colors. Destinations include Journeyman Distillery (Union Pier, MI), Round Barn Winery, Distillery, Brewery (Baroda, MI), and The Livery (Benton Harbor, MI). Departure from Valpo Parks Department administrative office will be at 10 AM for the all day excursion, returning at 7 PM. Price is $89 per person. Minimum age: 21.
ValPLAYso Volunteers for October 6-13 Build
The success of ValPLAYso - The Next Generation project relies upon volunteer support of the community. Individuals and groups are invited to assist in a wide variety of areas during the week long build. Online volunteer registration and more information are available at www.valplayso.com.
ValPLAYso Time Capsule Opening
The 1994 community build project ValPLAYso will open its time capsule at the Butterfield Pavilion on Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 PM. The Children’s Committee of ValPLAYso - The Next Generation, who is hosting the event, will also seal up their time capsule to be placed in the new playground during the community build on October 6 – 12.
Monster Dash 5K and Family Fun 1K
Do the Monster Dash in your favorite costume in downtown Valpo! Both the start and finish of the Saturday, October 18 races are at Central Park Plaza with participants receiving a shirt and each youth receiving a participation ribbon. There will be awards for the top three Male and Female runners by age group in the 5K event. Price for the 5K is $25 per individual and $55 for a family of 3. Price for the 1K is $15 per individual and $35 for a family of 3. To do both events is $30 per individual and $65 for a family of 3. Race day registration is available for an additional $10.
