Photo credit to Denny Beck
WInter Programs
Evergreen Swag Workshop
The holiday season calls for fresh evergreen decorations! Come to Salomon Farm Park to create your very own evergreen swag with holiday charm. Amy Henry, Landscape Designer at Arbor Farms Nursery, will help you put together the fresh and fragrant branch tips of fir, cedar, and pine into a festive evergreen swag. The swag will also incorporate your choice of accents such as pine cones, berries, a decorative bow, and more for a nice seasonal touch. Hang it on your door, lamp post or porch to enjoy all throughout the holiday season! Please bring garden gloves, pruners, and any of your own accents that you would like to incorporate into the swag. Age 16 +. Registration deadline: December 2. Min. 10. Max. 25.
Code Date Day Time
153902-M1 12/9 M 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Winter Walk on the Farm
Join farm staff for a 4-mile walk throughout the farm property including the trails in the back fields. Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof hiking shoes/boots. This walk is off of the paved farm loop and could be considered challenging if there is significant snow on the ground. This walk will end with a look inside the Historic Old Barn along with a stop inside the Livestock Barn to say hello to the farm animals. Ages 13+. The hike is FREE, however, pre-registration is required by January 22. Min. 3. Max. 30.
Code Date Day Time
153606-W1 1/26 Su 3-5 pm
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Please meet in front of the Wolf Family Learning Center
Dirt Wain Community Composting
Salomon Farm Park has partnered with Dirt Wain, a new composting initiative in the area that processes food scraps from households. Members are provided with a bucket that they fill, drop off at the Farm 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 or to sign up check out www.dirtwain.com or Salomon Farm Park on Facebook.
Drop Spindle 101
The drop spindle is a simple tool that is fun to use and provides a portable way to spin yarn making it handy for testing combinations of fibers and colors. If you have hand cards and a spindle, please bring them to class. We also have spindles available to borrow or purchase, if needed. Ages 11-15. Instructor Julie Davidson has been a fiber farmer since 1996, starting with Angora goats. She loves using fibers in all forms, especially for spinning, dyeing and knitting. Registration deadlines: December 4 and December 11. Min. 6. Max 8.
Code Date Day Time
153816-W1 12/11 W 1-3 pm
153816-W2 12/18 W 1-3 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Dyeing Naturally
Whether you plan to dye wool or cotton fabric, you’ll be delighted to discover the magic of natural dyes. Learn how to make an indigo dye bath or create dyes using avocado pits, onion skins, pomegranate peels or even spices right from your spice rack. No experience is necessary. Just grab an apron and some rubber gloves and come ready to learn a great craft. Instructor Julie Davidson has been a fiber farmer since 1996, starting with Angora goats. She comes from a family of knitters and loves using fibers in all forms, especially for spinning, dyeing and knitting. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min 6. Max. 8.
Code Date Day Time
Spice Dyeing Workshop
153817-F1 1/24 F 9 am-12 pm
153817-F2 1/31 F 9 am-12 pm
Indigo Dyeing Workshop
153817-R1 2/6 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
153817-F3 2/7 F 9 am-12 pm
Natural Dyes from the Compost Bin
153817-R2 2/20 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
153817-F4 2/21 F 9 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Basics of Baking with Sweets So Geek
In four relaxed, fun-filled evenings, Chef Chad Seewald will break down the basics to help you be successful in your baking endeavors! This series will focus on four topics: Breads, Pastries, Desserts and Cakes. Each class session will feature two recipes demonstrated by the instructor and then created by the students! Lots of fun, learning, and tasting! Ages 16+. Chad Seewald is the head cake guy at Sweets So Geek where he gets to mix his love of food and fandom. Registration deadlines are one week prior to each class. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Dates Day Time
153826-W1 1/8-1/29 W 6 pm-8:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$110
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont
Holiday Cookie Class
Hold off on the holiday cookie baking and decorating! We have a foolproof sugar cookie recipe to share, as well as tips for frosting and new ideas for decorating these 100% Santa (and kid) approved treats. Class is open to all ages. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited. Instructor Chad Seewald is the head cake guy at Sweets So Geek. Registration deadline: December 7. Min. 5. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
153910-S1 12/14 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
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..
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.
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
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 culinary artistry at The Personal Palate.
Read a first hand account of a blog written by Rylan Capper about his experience "Cooking on the Farm" with Patrick Whetstone...and then sign up today for a class!
Meghan Hauser
Meghan is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor.
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Elegant Hors d’oeuvres 2.0
Impress your guests at your next holiday gathering with scrumptious hors d’oeuvres . . . from your own kitchen . . . that look as good as they taste. Chef Patrick Whetstone of The Personal Palate will demonstrate six different bite size teasers as well as plating techniques used by professionals. You’ll leave class armed with the recipes and the skills needed to pull off a great holiday party. Registration deadline: December 12. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153825-R1 12/19 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Out of the Box Salads
Everyone loves a good salad and if you’ve run out of ideas, allow our Chef Patrick Whetstone from The Personal Palate to give you a fresh start. You will make four different salads with different vinaigrettes that will rejuvenate your palate and make you look like a rock star to your family and friends! Age 18 +. Registration deadline: February 20. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153828-R1 2/27 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Comfort Soups
Soups have a place in everyone’s heart in some way or another, from the comfort they give you as they warm you up on a cold day, to the aroma that fills the house as it slowly simmers. Chef Whetstone will walk your through the preparation of three delicious hot soups and leave you with the recipes to recreate them at home. Registration deadline: January 16. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153832-R1 1/23 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
New Year – New Desserts!
Looking for ways to keep your New Year’s resolution while still enjoying dessert? Try a piece of Sugar-Free Strawberry Lemon Cake or some Pecan Pie Parfait, both under 300 calories per serving. Instructor Chad Seewald 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. Ages 16+. Registration deadline: January 4. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
153833-S1 1/11 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Knife Care and Techniques 2.0
For those who were unable to make it to this class, here it is again! Most kitchen accidents with a knife involved usually are caused from the knife being not as sharp as it could or should be. Allow Chef Patrick Whetstone to show you how to sharpen, fine tune, and care for your kitchen knives. Once we have nice, sharp knives we will practice basic cuts on some fruits and vegetables to learn cutting techniques and hand placement, so accidental cuts on your hand might be a thing of the past. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: January 9. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
153834-R1 1/16 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
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 is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Holiday Treats
153909-T1 12/3 T 10-11 am
On the Go Snacks
153909-T2 1/14 T 10-11 am
Valentine’s Day Party
153909-T3 2/11 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 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 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.
Holiday Treats
153911-T1 12/3 T 6-7:30 pm
Easy Snacks from Around the World
153911-T2 1/21 T 6-7:30 pm
Valentine’s Day Party
153911-T3 2/4 T 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!
Holiday Treats
153911-T4 12/17 T 6-7:30 pm
Mystery Ingredient Cook Off
153911-R1 1/30 Th 6-7:30 pm
Valentine’s Day Party
153911-T5 2/4 T 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
153911-S1 1/25 Sa 12-1:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
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
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Dog Sled Demonstrations, Father Christmas
Live Animals, Holiday Vendors, More Family Fun!
Admission: $5/car
facebook.com/Salomon Farm Park
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.
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!
