10 things you probably don't know about Boy Scout popcorn
EVANSVILLE − On the weekend of Sept. 22-24, you’re likely to see a lot of Boy Scouts cruising neighborhoods pulling iconic red popcorn wagons or parked in front of stores with tables of popcorn and other goodies.
That's the kick-off "blitz" weekend for popcorn sales for the scouts.
But there’s a lot we bet you don’t know about Boy Scout popcorn. We got the scoop from our local Buffalo Trace Council Scout Executive John Harding and Development Director Brian Baker. Jack Pate is the current Popcorn Chair.
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Evansville was the first city to sell Boy Scout popcorn. In 1979, the Buffalo Trace Council board was trying to raise funds. There was a concert at Roberts Stadium with the Oak Ridge Boys, but they wanted to do a product sale. The final vote came down to sweat socks or packets of unpopped popcorn. Popcorn won.
Scout Executive Bill Spice worked with Weaver Popcorn, which was headquartered in Van Buren, Indiana . Weaver popcorn still provides Boy Scout Trail’s End popcorn, and is now one of the largest bulk popcorn producers in the world. They still use Indiana family farmers to grow the corn.
After the first year, a group of four councils picked up popcorn sales. Then it went to 12 groups, and now almost every scout council sells popcorn.
Many local ties were kept for years as scout councils nationwide picked up popcorn sales. For example, Berry Plastics worked with the packaging. Nienaber Marketing in Newburgh and Claire Bosma have worked extensively in market research, product development, and design development.
In total, over $4,000,000,000 (that is, $4 billion) has been returned to scouting programs through popcorn sales since 1980.
The first popcorn packs were unflavored and unpopped. Microwave, pre-popped and flavored products came later. There is a brand-new flavor this year--S’mores. Other flavors currently available are plain sea salted popcorn, salted caramel corn, sweet and salty kettle corn, and white cheddar.
Non-popcorn items: Well, there are honey roasted peanuts, beef jerky, chocolatey coated pretzels and dark chocolate salted caramels.
Over 70% of the money made from popcorn sales goes back into the local community’s scout program. It helps with activities, uniforms, registration assistance and handbooks for those with financial challenges.
These days, you can purchase popcorn directly from a boy scout with a credit card through a cell phone app, or make a purchase online at trails-end.com. You may also purchase with cash at a storefront sales location. You'll be able to order popcorn in person from a Boy Scout through the end of October or online through December.
If you don’t like or want popcorn or other snacks yourself, you may donate some to a first responder or military family through the Heroes and Helpers donation opportunity through the Trail's End app or online order form.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: 10 things you probably don't know about Boy Scout popcorn
