WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The Old Popcorn Stand, a Three Rivers icon, is expected to be phased out but revitalized with a more modern replacement.
During discussion last month, Three Rivers City Commission members agreed to the development of a new popcorn stand in Scidmore Park. The task is to be overseen by Centreville-based Pivotal, formerly Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County.
The agency operates the popcorn concession through its ADAPT program, which provides business training for people with disabilities.
Pivotal’s Kristy Barkley said a new stand would provide more space and include modern features the current stand does not offer due to its age.
Barkley said various businesses and individuals have donated or pledged funds to support the construction of a new, larger stand. She hopes the new stand will be in operation next summer.
What made the popcorn stand great was the history. Walt’s Famous Popcorn was a staple on S. Main St. Walt advertised every day in the Wall Street Journal. Something more modern is just a popcorn stand.
It also amazes me that for all the money poured into the downtown to maintain the integrity of the original buildings that removing that very thing from Scidmore Park seems hypocritical.
BEFORE Walt’s Popcorn Stand was an icon on South Main Street it was, for MANY YEARS, an ICON at the corner of South Main and West Michigan Avenue !!! Sadly over the years it had to move because it was not safe due to increased traffic. In later years, after South Main, it was moved to Scidmore Park. And now it’s just going away??? It does deserve to be saved because it IS part of Three Rivers history!!!