Van Buren Popcorn Festival facts for kids

The Van Buren Popcorn Festival is a super fun event held every August in Van Buren, Indiana. It usually takes place on the first or second full Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the month. This festival celebrates how important popcorn is to the town. Like many small-town festivals, it focuses on something special to the community. The Popcorn Festival started in 1973 and has become a big "homecoming" event. Many people who used to live in Van Buren come back to visit their friends and family during the festival.

Festival Fun!

The festival schedule changes a little each year, but it always has lots of exciting things to do!

Thursday Highlights

• Evening: The Boy Scouts open their famous popcorn tent. You can get freshly popped popcorn there! This tent is a main part of the "midway" area, which has fair booths and rides for kids.
• Evening: Many different food and craft booths open up. You can find tasty treats and cool handmade items.
• 6:30 p.m.: A big parade kicks off!
  • Hundreds of groups join in, including school bands, local clubs, and first responder volunteers.
  • A favorite part of the parade is seeing all the cool antique cars and old tractors.
  • The high school class that graduated 50 years ago even rides a special float in the parade each year!
• Late Evening: Enjoy live entertainment on the stage.

Friday Fun

• Afternoon and Evening: The Boy Scouts popcorn tent is open again.
• Afternoon and Evening: More food and craft vendors are ready for you to explore.
• Late Afternoon: Kids can join a special bicycle parade. Decorate your bike and show it off!
• Early Evening: There's a fun pet parade. Bring your furry friends!
• Evening until Late: Listen to an open-air concert right in downtown Van Buren.

Saturday Excitement

• Early Morning: The volunteer fire department hosts a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast.
• Early Morning: Get active with the "Fun Run" or the "Kernel Classic" 5K race.
• All Day: Lots of community and festival events happen, including:
  • Food and craft vendors are open all day.
  • The Fincannon Memorial Car and Motorcycle Show displays awesome vehicles.
• A fun Cornhole Tournament takes place.
• Afternoon: The Boy Scouts Popcorn Tent is open for more popcorn!
• Afternoon: The United Methodist Church Annex hosts a Children's Biblical Festival.
• Late Afternoon: Don't miss the adorable Baby Parade!
• Evening until Late: Another open-air concert fills the downtown area with music.