Christine Bryant Times correspondent

Before heading to the Popcorn Festival, don’t forget to make a pit stop the night before at Central Park Plaza for family-friendly fun.

The Popcorn Pit Stop will feature the Hot Wheels Race of Champions, a Popcorn Festival Automotive Showcase and a food truck rally.

From about 4:30-9 p.m., Sept. 5, visitors can grab a bite to eat at several food trucks that will offer an opportunity to sample the Region's flavors.

Head over to Urschel Pavilion for the Hot Wheels Race of Champions, where hundreds of Hot Wheels cars will compete. Last year, more than 800 cars participated in the event that has been a tradition at the Popcorn Festival for 25 years.

“It’s still as thrilling as ever,” organizer Greg Simms says.

Registration of Hot Wheels cars begins at

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