It has become a tradition with me and I guess I’m hooked.

Popcorn at the local ballpark, no matter where that locality is for me these days, has become a staple of my traveling diet.

Don’t tell my cardiologist.

But there is something about getting to the game a bit early, getting a soda and a bag of popcorn and settling in to watch some JV games prior to the varsity, or main event.

And I’ve learned that popcorn is not just popcorn. It’s different from place to place.

Salt and butter are the key differences, but I must admit I like those two “condiments” in various amounts on my corn.

Now, I know there are a lot of different ball park treats and with few exceptions I like them all.

Nothing beats a Dodger Dog, the jumbo franks served at Dodger Stadium are a long-remembered favorite of mine. I really didn’t care if they had been swimming in the hot dog pool for several days. People take a dip in public swimming pools all the time and that water is changed less frequently than hot dog water, at least theoretically.

And who could say no to a plate of chili-fries at the old Kingdome?

Or nacho chips smothered in melted cheese from a cheese melting machine at any number of sports venues throughout the land.

And I have become accustomed to bringing a Tupperware-type container to Hot Springs for their fresh baked and frosted maple bars. Gotta have a couple for the next morning’s breakfast.

But for me, popcorn reigns supreme and to my delight the venues of Sanders and Mineral Counties all have their own twist on the exploded kernels.

I recently had a bag o’corn from the outdoor concession stand near the end zone of the football field in Alberton. It took awhile to obtain my order, but it was worth the two bucks, or maybe it was $1.50. That same bag of popcorn, and it wouldn’t have tasted anywhere near as good, would have fetched $7 or more at any big city concession stand.

I remember going to Safeco Field in Seattle, home of the Mariners, with my son, his girlfriend who is now his wife and mother of my grandsons, and my two daughters.

My son and his fiancee’ and I were of legal adult beverage drinking age (although I was flattered at being carded by the vendor until I learned they card EVERYONE at the ballpark).

I ordered three beers for the adults and two sodas for the girls. We all got a Kingdog, the stadium’s answer to a Dodger Dog, and each of my daughters got a candy treat.

“That will be $79,” said the woman behind the concession stand counter.

Can’t tell you what I was thinking, this is a family newspaper, but it was not probably legal in Washington state.

Anyway, the ladies at the ballpark in Alberton, used a large wooden paddle to stir the popping kernels, then poured real butter onto the fluffy white treat. Salt was added, with more available from a shaker to those who want the heart-blowing sodium full throttle.

One small hand full and I was hooked.

Every place in these two beautiful counties has its own version, the recipe can’t really be much different. Some places offer cheese flavored seasonings on the side, but I’m an old school, butter and salt guy.

And there are many other options if popcorn, for some reason unknown to me, is not your “bag”. Oh sure, a hot dog bun doesn’t get stuck painfully between your teeth, but nacho chips can.

And washing down whatever you order with a $1 bottle of soda makes the experience all the better.

Some places, like Plains and Superior, feature some really tasty taco dishes or hamburgers like Dad used to make on the patio grill. One place in Portland had fried fish sandwiches. All were delicious!

But as for me, give me popcorn, or give me...a many years long sodium death.

I’m not really willing to die for a snack, but I recently heard of something I would hope someone will do after I pass.

My wish is to be cremated and have my ashes spread anywhere in Montana outside of the city.

And as a parting treat, I ask that someone sneak into the crematorium the night before my roasting, and fill my innards with popcorn kernels.

Be sure to bring your cell phone with video to document the reaction to that hilarious event!

Yup, I probably have had a few too many concussions.