Photo credit to Denny Beck
Salomon Farm Culinary Arts Schedule
Meet Our Chefs
Chad Seewald
Chad learned about desserts while working his way up from dishwasher to head pastry chef at a five star restaurant and mixed that knowledge with his love of all things geeky to create the one-of-a-kind shop, Sweets So Geek, that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts, and geeky themed chocolates.
Renee Williams
Chef Renee Williams is a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Charlotte, NC. She has an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts with a Nutrition focus as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Beverage Management. She now works with the wonderful folks at Parkview Mirro Center.
Patrick Whetstone
Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culi- nary artistry at The Personal Palate.
Photo credit to Denny Beck
FALL PROGRAMS
Little Roots: Culinary Preschool
*Adult/Child
Empower your little one to create his/her own healthy snacks. We’ve partnered with Wholesome Roots Cooking to offer fun, age appropriate cooking classes bursting with hands-on activities and healthy concept learning through games and activities. Younger siblings are welcome to stay with their caregiver, but any child participating in class must register. Ages 2-5. Instructor: Meghan Hauser. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Apple Nachos
453820-R1 9/26 Th 10-11 am
Halloween Party
453820-R2 10/24 Th 10-11 am
Pumpkin Cookies
453820-R3 11/21 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Basics of Baking for Teens
We’ll explore a few basic recipes that can be used as the foundation for a ton of different variations! From scones to cake, we’ll go over 3 recipes and ways to vary them. This class is perfect for the young adult who has a real interest in baking. Learning basics and how to riff on them is imperative for the budding baker and we’ll explore some of those. Look for future classes that will build on what is taught in this class! Ages 13-18. Registration deadline: September 23. Min. 5. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453918-S1 9/28 Sa 10 am -1 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Roots Cooking I, II and III for Youth and Young Adults
Designed to help children and young adults feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen, our Roots classes allow students to grow in their culinary skills. Each level allows for cooking instruction and recipes to be catered to the ability of the student! Each class offers hands on cooking time and instruction, and also allows time for eating! Roots Instructor Meghan Hauser is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Roots I
Recommended ages 6-10 years, without a lot of independent skills. Students are not expected to know kitchen safety and basic skills.
Make Your Own Pizza
453820-W1 9/25 W 6-7:30 pm Halloween Party
453820-R4 10/24 Th 6-7:30 pm
Thanksgiving Holiday
453820-W2 11/20 W 6-7:30 pm
Roots II
Recommended ages 10-14 years, with independent kitchen skills/at home experience or having previously taken multiple classes. These students have developed basic skills, but want to expand their skills in the kitchen by learning more challenging recipes and various cooking methods!
Mystery Box
453820-W3 9/11 W 6-7:30 pm
Appetizers
453820-W4 10/16 W 6-7:30 pm
Thanksgiving Holiday
453820-M1 11/25 M 6-7:30 pm
Roots III
Recommended for high school – 1st year college. These students are entering independence, and desire the cooking skills to prepare themselves for independent living in the near future.
Cooking on a Budget
453820-S1 10/5 Sa 12-1:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Basics of Baking with Sweets So Geek
In four relaxed, fun-filled classes, Chef Chad Seewald will break down the basics to help you be successful in your baking endeavors! This series will focus on four topics: Baking Quickbreads, Cakes, Cookies, and Custards with ALL-NEW recipes this year! Items to be made will include: Loaf Cakes, Biscuits, Tres Leches Cake, devil’s food cake, alternatives to chocolate chip cookies, crème caramel, and flourless chocolate cake! Please note class size is limited to ensure our instructors are able to give their full and careful attention to the participants. Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: October 1. Min. 5. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
453824-M1 10/7-10/28 M 6-8:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$110
Location: Learning Center at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont
Advanced Baking Breads with Sweets So Geek
There is simply nothing better on a cold day than a piece of warm fresh-baked bread. And it’s not nearly as hard as it might seem! We’ll go over the basics for two different types of bread, Whole wheat loaves, and challah! This is a 4-hour class to allow for the bread to rise! Ages 16+. Registration deadline: October 21. Min. 5. Max. 14.
Code Date Day Time
453805-S1 10/26 Sa 10 am-2 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Pizza! Handmade or Thrown Together
One of the most popular American foods . . . pizza . . . is nothing but cooked dough topped with sauce and delicious ingredients. Most people don’t make their own pizza because of the dough. Tonight you will learn to make your own pizza dough as well as a few dough substitutes that can work just as well when time is of the essence. Registration deadline: November 14. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453918-R1 11/21 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Handmade Pasta 2.0
Watch out Barilla, we are going to learn to make our own pasta from scratch. We’ll also learn to make a few basic sauces that allow the pasta to shine and be the main focus of the plate. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 12. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453919-R1 9/19 Th 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Holiday Pies w/ Sweets So Geek
Do you want to impress your family with something different for dessert this year? Is that store-bought pumpkin pie just not cutting it? Come and explore with us as we teach you some new variations and fun tricks to spice up your holiday desserts! We’ll go over variations on classics like sugar cream pie, talk about meringue and when to unleash its power, and we’ll make a luscious peanut butter and chocolate pie that will have everyone asking you for the recipe! Registration Deadline: November 4. Min. 5 Max. 14
Code Date Day Time
453826-S1 11/9 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Elegant Hors d’oeuvres with Chef Patrick Whetstone
The holidays are upon us again! It’s time to start preparing for your holiday gatherings! Chef Patrick Whetstone will help you create six elegant hors d’oeuvre’s that will impress your family and friends. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Registration deadline: October 31. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453825-R1 11/7 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Quick Dinner Solutions
With the hustle and bustle of our lives today, a home cooked meal can be a dream instead of a reality. Free up your Thursday evening and your mind for basic cooking with some technique involved. With this class you will help prepare three complete meals from start to finish with each one only taking 20 minutes. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: October 10. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453806-R1 10/17 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Wild Game and Wine Tasting
Wild game is healthy, wild, sustainable, and local! We are teaming up with the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring you unique cooking programs and tasting and more! Wild caught meat is healthier for you and the planet! Whether you’ve never hunted or you’re an experienced shot, you’ll discover new delicious dishes. While money spent on grocery-bought meat stays with a corporation, hunting license sales fund conservation! Check out Salomon’s Facebook and webpage for information on our upcoming Wild Game and Wine Tasting and our future wild game cooking classes.
Meet Our Chefs
Chad Seewald
Chad learned about desserts while working his way up from dishwasher to head pastry chef at a five star restaurant and mixed that knowledge with his love of all things geeky to create the one-of-a-kind shop, Sweets So Geek that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts, and geeky themed chocolates.
Patrick Whetstone
Patrick graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at The Personal Palate.
Meghan Hauser
Meghan is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor.
Photo credit to Denny Beck
Animal Playdates
*Adult/Child
Salomon Farm Park is a great place for the whole family, including your youngest! In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will learn about the animals at Salomon Farm Park by making treats and goodies for each of our furry and feathered friends. The rabbits, chickens, and goats are all excited to meet you! Each session will focus on a different animal, so be sure to pick your favorite, or visit each one to meet them all! Ages 3-6. Registration deadlines are 5 working days prior to each class. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
Playdate with Chickens
453915-M1 10/7 M 10-11 am
453915-R1 10/17 Th 10-11 am
Playdate with Rabbits
453915-R2 10/10 Th 10-11 am
453915-M2 10/21 M 10-11 am
Playdate with Pigs
453915-M3 10/14 M 10-11 am
453915-M4 10/24 M 10-11 am
# Sessions/fee: 1/$10
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Animal Playdates & Hayrides
*Adult/Child
These Saturday animal playdates (see description above) will include a fall hayride and visits with all the animals: chicken, rabbits and pigs. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453916-S1 9/28 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/fee: 1/$15
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Safe Cycling for the Family
With over 110 miles of bike trails in Fort Wayne it’s never too early or too late to brush up on your safe biking skills. Before the family heads out for the trails there are a few things you should know! Join League of American Bicyclist instructors Eden Lamb from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and James Holm from Summit City Bicycles for an informative family fun ride. This course will cover preparing for your ride, handling skills, hazard avoidance, and a short 2-4 mile trail ride. Two wheel bicycle and helmet required. Registration deadline: October 11. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
453807-S1 10/19 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/FREE
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Animal Care Volunteers
Do you love working with animals? Salomon Farm Park is always in need of dedicated volunteers to provide high-quality care to the animals that call Salomon Farm Park home. Salomon is home to goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, donkeys, a mini horse, ducks, and rabbits. Volunteers must be 18+. Contact Kellie at at 427-6005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pumpkin Party
Boys and girls ages 6-12 are invited to join us for some pumpkin fun! We’ll head out to the gardens to learn a bit about pumpkins, and then carve them on site. We’ll then pile in the wagon for a hayride around the park as we listen to some of the spooky legends about Fort Wayne and the farm! Note: Participants will be using pumpkin carving knives. Ages 6-12. Parents and guardians must remain on the farm property during the program. Min. 8. Max. 16.
Code Dates Day Time
453902-S1 10/5 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Needle Felted Fairy House Lamp
Create an 8” tall needle felted fairy house table lamp with a removable flower roof. This adorable fairy house has windows that will show the flicker of the electric tea light candle. The outside will be decorated with needle felted flowers, vines, bushes using a variety of specialty sized needles for tiny flowers and shadowing of the vines. We will discuss the ergonomics of needle felting and tools to have in your bag that will save you time and hand fatigue. A rainbow of colored wool will be available for you to decorate your fairy house. Felting needles, felting pad, felt pad cover, a tea light, and piece of pool noodle will be provided. You will take your tools home with you. Ages 12+. Instructor: Susie Powe. Min. 6. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
453818-S1 10/12 Sa 9 am-12:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$65
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Needle Felted Fairy Tale Pumpkin
Create your very own needle felted fairy tale pumpkin out of wool fibers. This adorable pumpkin makes for a perfect fall decoration! The course is designed for individuals getting started or who are curious about needle felting but all skill levels are welcome. Susie Powe of Cousin Susie’s Felting has been working with wool since 2012 when she started making dreadlocks for her local dance community. Since that time, Susie has dedicated herself to share her love for the art form and fiber arts. All necessary equipment and materials will be provided. Ages 12+. Min. 6. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
453817-F1 9/27 F 10 am-12:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$50
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Wool Applique
Applique is ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. Spend two evenings at Salomon Farm Park learning the basics of wool applique. You will use hand-dyed solid and textured wool to make an 8” x 14” wall hanging. We have two designs to choose from. Ages 12+. Instructor Patty Miller has been doing wool applique for over 20 years. Registration deadline: September 25. Min. 4. Max 8.
Code Dates Day Time
453804-W1 10/2-10/9 W 5-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 2/$55
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Blacksmithing for Women
Once an essential and vital trade, blacksmithing has become a metal art and many women have started to take an interest in this typically male-dominated activity. In this introductory class you will learn about forge operation, blacksmithing equipment and tools. Each participant will create a small metal hook before moving on to a simple project. The following protective equipment is required: leather closed-toed shoes, full-length pants, natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, etc.) and all loose hair must be tied back. Gloves and protective eye wear will be provided. NOTE: This class meets every other Saturday. Registration deadline: September 2. Min. 3. Max 6.
Code Dates Day Time
453819-S1 9/7-11/16 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/fee: 6/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Blacksmith Shop, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Adult Bee Keeping 101
Interested in learning more about bee keeping and managing honeybees? Join Glenn Hile, owner of Glenn’s Natural Honey as he walks you through this interactive how-to class. You will learn about the science of honeybees, best practices of experienced beekeepers, equipment beekeepers use, bee biology and behavior, common bee pests, disease and managing a hive throughout the year and more! This class will include observation of Salomon Farm Park’s bee hives. Bee suits will be provided. Each participant will receive their own honey from Salomon Farm Park. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 14.
Code Date Day Time
453830-S1 9/21 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
Don’t think of fall as the end of your growing season. Think of it as the beginning of next year’s gardening season! Master Gardener, Debbie Starr Branfield will take you through the important tasks that should be addressed as you are cleaning up and clearing out your garden. Topics include fertilization, watering and weed control, care of perennials, planting spring bulbs and more. This program is free and open to all ages. Sign up by October 1. Min. 5. Max. 25.
Code Date Day Time
453910-T1 10/8 T 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/FREE
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Photography Mini-Sessions
We are excited to partner with Jaclyn Shaw Photography to offer photography mini sessions down on the Farm! Not only will you walk away with stunning photos of yourself or loved ones, but you can feel good about supporting a public park! Photography sessions are 25-30 minutes and include an online gallery of your photos. For more information contact Kellie at 427-6005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Registration is required. Min. 4 Max. 8 Registration deadline is one week prior to each date. Participants will be contacted after registration to sign up for their time slot.
Code Date Day Time
Sunflower Field Session
Enjoy an elegant setting in our new 2-acre sunflower field!
4538 9/22 Su TBD
Festive Fall Session
Put on your plaid and come on down to the farm for Fall photos featuring fall foliage, tractors, straw bales, and pumpkins!
4538 10/7 M TBD
Victorian Christmas
Just in time for your holiday cards, this feature is an exclusive opportunity! This backdrop features antique Christmas décor in either our Old Barn or historic Salomon Homestead.
4538 11/23 Sa TBD
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$150
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Early Voting at the Farm
October 29-November 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
November 2, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Salomon Farm Park is proud to be an early voting location. Any citizen may vote at Salomon’s Wolf Family Learning Center during early voting hours. Are you a busy parent? We’ve got you covered! We will have a children’s station with activities to make voting easier for families.
Photo credit to Erin Eicher with InJoy Photography
Photography at the Farm
Salomon Farm has become a popular location for both professional and amateur photographers. If you plan on taking photos at the park and haven’t completed our Photography Registration document, please contact Kellie Adkins at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 427-6005 to register. You only need to complete the form one time and there is no cost to register.
We Rent for Your Event!
Historic Old Barn
Wolf Family Learning Center
The peaceful setting of Salomon Farm Park makes our elegant rental spaces perfect for weddings, receptions, reunions, concerts, dances, and many other special events. We are now booking for 2020 and still have some availability for 2019! For more information visit our website at www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Facilities>Salomon Farm Park>Rental Opportunities or contact our rentals coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 427-6790. The Old Barn rents May-October only. Learning Center rents January-May and August-December.
Dirt Wain Community Compost Service
Dirt Wain is a new composting initiative in the area that processes food scraps from households and small businesses Dirt Wain is partnering with Salomon Farm Park to create a drop off site for household food scraps. Members are provided with a bucket that they fill, drop off at their convenience, and then pick up a clean bucket to repeat the process. The pilot program is limited to the first 50 households. Dirt Wain is offering two 30-minute sessions on the basics of composting food scraps for people in the pilot program. For more detailed information check out www.dirtwain.com or Salomon Farm Park on Facebook.
Photo credit to Denny Beck
Events
Christmas on the Farm
Call for Vendors and Entertainers
Saturday, December 7, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
We are looking for crafters and artisans who can fill the barn with Christmas cheer and lots of handmade gifts and goodies. Please contact Eden Lamb at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 427-6008 for a vendor application.
Sunday, October 20, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Time to start your holiday shopping! If it was grown locally or made by hand it will be for sale at this special sale. Crafters and artisans will be selling their handmade homemade goods at Salomon Farm Park in the Wolf Family Learning Center.
Interested in vending? Contact Eden at 260-427-6008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive an application.
Farmers’ Market
at Salomon Farm Park
Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 p.m., through Sept 4
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
For 16 market seasons we have been connecting the local community to farmers, producers, bakers, and artisan that are within a 75 mile radius of Salomon Farm Park. Our produce vendors are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs and we strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade craft vendors, food vendors, entertainment, and children’s activities. This is a mid-week family friendly market you don’t want to miss. Connect with market vendors in the Old Barn built in 1894, enjoy a farm wagon ride, or visit with our farm animals.
Salomon Farm Fall Harvest Fest 2019 Photos
Field Trips on the Farm
August 5 – Mid October
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Farm tours are available at Salomon farm in 1-2 hour increments. A typical tour features lots of hands on time with our animal friends and highlights composting, gardening and farm life in the old days. A wagon ride is available upon request for farm tours of 1½ hours or more. All ages welcome! Field trip scheduling is subject to availability and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Salomon Farm Park at 427-6790 or Eden Lamb (260.427.6008) for questions and scheduling. Field trip cost is $3/participant/hour.
Clubs
Gardeners of America Club Meetings
2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park Learning Center
817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne
The mission of the Gardeners of America is to promote gardening education and related environmental issues to its membership and the gardening public through charitable, educational and scientific means. Join the club! The Fort Wayne Chapter of Gardeners of America meets on the second Thursday of the month. All gardening skill levels are welcome. For more information about the club or a particular meeting, please contact Keelie at 260.427.6005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tri-State Antique Tractor Club
3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park Learning Center
817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne
The Tri-State Antique Tractor Club is an organization that is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of old farm machinery. If you’ve ever been to our infamous Fall Harvest Festival you’ve surely seen our co-sponsors the TSA Tractor Club working hard! Join the club and meet other tractor enthusiasts, assist in tending the crop fields, and get the chance to learn and work on a myriad of antique farm equipment pieces. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the Learning Center. For more information please contact Kellie at 427-6005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location: Learning Center
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike.
Wild Walkers pose for a group picture at Pokagon State Park. Photo credit: Steve Hague
Wild Walkers 2019
Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Please call Eden at 427-6008 or e-mail eden.lamb@cityof fortwayne.org if you have questions.
2019 Wild Walkers Schedule
Blacksmithing
Thanks to Salomon Farm Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at events. Join the Blacksmiths at 9 am on the 4th Saturday of each month to watch and participate in forging (18 years and up only). Find the blacksmiths in the forge, just south of the gardens.
Salomon Trail
Be sure to check out the trail at Salomon! It is open to the public from 6 a,m.-11 p.m. To read more about the trail, check out the Salomon Trail Press Release
Thanks to Carroll High School's Future Farmer's of America for their continued support of Salomon Farm Park!
