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Ken Konyha keeps a watchful eye on another batch of fresh popcorn. The kernels are then coated with hot caramel, cooled, and bagged for purchase.
Story and photos by Ron Beeber, Contributing Writer
PENTWATER — Each year, the Pentwater Service Club donates $20,000 to various Pentwater-related causes by selling caramel corn, popcorn, brats and soft drinks.
As the freshly coated kernels are cooled, Jim Howell separates any that are stuck together.
On a recent Monday, members were hard at work popping corn in the commercial kitchen of the Centenary United Methodist Church in order to restock several area grocery shelves. They include Cenzo’s, Hansen Foods, Pentwater Convenience Center, Port View Wine & Beer Market, Up North Farm Market, and Wilson’s General Store.
John Faas stirs boiling caramel before pouring it over the freshly-popped kernels in a kettle mixer.
“Club members really enjoy getting together to make caramel corn for the betterment of our community,” said Bob French, who chairs the club’s Caramel Corn Committee in 2026. “We jokingly believe that our caramel corn has no calories because sales support the club’s philanthropy goals.”
In mid-June, club members will pop up another batch that they will sell, along with brats and more, during Pentwater’s Spring Festival on the Village Green June 20. This is the first of several 2026 Village Green events where the club will have a presence.
Keith Danielson pours the freshly-coated caramel corn into a tray, where the kernels are cooled before bagging.
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