2026 Popcorn Fest Parade Application

2026 Popcorn Festival Parade Application
Saturday, September 12, 2026

Float Judging (if applicable): 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Parade Staging: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Parade Begins: 10:00 a.m.

Parade & Festival Theme: Poppin' Through the Decades

NEW THIS YEAR!

To celebrate the history and purpose of the parade and festival - all entries, regardless of type, size or judging status, are required to incorporate the parade & festival theme and/or popcorn or corn products into their entry in some manner.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

Parade spots are limited. Applications will close once all spots are full. There will be absolutely no exceptions made once spots are full and applications are closed.

We will review your application within 3-4 business days and you will receive an email notifying you of your approval status. Please be sure to check your junk/spam folder. If approved, the credit card provided with this application will be charged. Your card will NOT be charged until the application is officially approved (but it may appear as "pending" in your bank account).

If you need to pay via check or cash, please contact the Valparaiso Events office at 219-464-8332 or info@valparaisoevents.com BEFORE filling out this application.
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Contact Number*
Company/Organization Name*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Website and/or Social Media Handles (if available):
Is this your organization's first time participating in the parade?*

YesNo
Category Selection:*

School BandNon-ProfitCommercial
Name and contact information of person DIRECTLY in charge of your parade entry and/or building your parade float:
Name*

First NameLast Name
Cell Number: *
This should be a cell number and NOT the business or organization phone number. The Parade Committee may need to call the parade contact person in the evening concerning parade lineup.
Type of Entry:*

Color GuardWalking Unit (No Sound)Walking Unit (With Sound)Dance/Tumbling GroupFire EnginePolice UnitFloat (No Sound)Float (With Sound)Cars/Standard Vehicle (No Sound)Cars/Standard Vehicle (With Sound)Other (please describe below)
Is your entry to be judged for awards?*

YesNo
If available, would you like space to decorate your float in the Valparaiso Community Schools Bus Barn, starting Wednesday, September 9, 2026? This is only a request and not a guarantee. The Parade Chair will reach out to confirm and coordinate. Your entry must be judged if using the bus barn.*

YesNo
PARADE SPOT REQUIREMENTS:

ALL ENTRIES ARE LIMITED TO A SINGLE PARADE SPOT. Exceptions will be very limited and granted on a case-by-case basis.

Your parade entry can include 2 individual vehicles (no trailers attached) OR 1 vehicle + trailer and/or 1-100 partcipants/walkers.
Number and type of vehicles (e.g., car, SUV, pickup, pickup + trailer, etc.)*
2 vehicles max are allowed per parade entry. A vehicle + trailer counts as 2 vehicles. No semi-trucks with trailers allowed. Height restriction is 12 feet. See "Parade Spot Requirements" listed above and Terms & Conditions for more information.
Estimated number of walking participants*
100 participants are allowed per parade entry. See Terms & Conditions for more information.
Describe your parade entry, including how you will incorporate the parade & festival theme and/or popcorn or corn products. *
A sketch or thorough description of your parade entry must be included here or emailed to Valparaiso Events at info@valparaisoevents.com by 5:00 p.m. on August 7, 2026, for approval. Valparaiso Events and the Parade Committee reserve the right to request design changes and deny/cancel parade entry based on sketches/descriptions.
File Upload

If available, upload a sketch or photograph depicting your parade entry.
Cancelof
Any special requests?
These are only requests and are NOT guaranteed until confirmed by Valparaiso Events or the Parade Committee.
Parade Script: provide 3-5 sentences that describe your organization and/or parade entry. This will be included in the parade script and read as you pass by each announcer’s station along the parade route. Final version is due no later than August 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. No edits or additions will be accepted after this date. Longer scripts will be edited at the Parade Committee's discretion. *
Please read and agree to all terms and conditions below:
Payment:

Please select the correct category below. You will have to re-submit your application if the incorrect category is selected.

Your application will be reviewed within 3-4 business days and you will receive an email notifying you of approval status. If approved, the card provided here will be charged for your parade entry fee. The charge may appear as "pending" in your bank account, but it will not officially process until your application is approved.

No refunds will be given. If the parade is cancelled in advance, your payment will be applied to the 2027 Popcorn Festival Parade.

Parade Fee:*

Commercial

$225.00 Quantity

Non-Profit

$75.00 Quantity

School Band

$ Free Quantity

Total

$0.00

Credit Card

Should be Empty:

2026 Popcorn Festival Parade Application

Credit Card