Winter Walks on the Farm
Step off of the paved walking loop surrounding Salomon Farm Park and enjoy a guided walk through the farm park grounds. We’ll take the wooded trail around the wetland area, walk past the pastures and the windmill, through the Old Barn, the Heritage Barn and peak inside the Blacksmith Shop. We’ll end up in the newly expanded Learning Center where we’ll warm up with hot cocoa. Meet outside the Learning Center a few minutes before the start time listed and plan for a one-mile walk. Sturdy, winter footwear is recommended. The walks are free and open to all ages. No pre-registration is required.
Code Date Day Time
153901-F1 12/21 F 11 am-12 pm
153901-F2 12/21 F 4-5 pm
153901-F3 1/20 Su 11 am-12 pm
153901-F4 1/20 Su 4-5 pm
Terrific Terrariums
A terrarium is a fun and easy way to incorporate plants into your décor with minimal maintenance. Master Gardener, Kathy Lee, will guide you through each step as you create your own miniature indoor garden. You will leave the class with a terrarium to keep and the basic knowledge on how to make others on your own. All necessary materials and supplies will be provided. Registration deadline: January 18. Min. 8 Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
153904-S1 1/26 Sa 1-3 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Personal Care Products, Naturally
Make your own personal care products including lip balm, lip scrub, aromatherapy roll-on and room spray using only natural ingredients. You’ll take home your own all natural personal care gift basket just in time for the holiday season! Jessica Bennett is the owner of Free Spirit Cosmetics. She creates bath and beauty products using only safe, natural ingredients. Age 16 +. Registration deadline: December 7. Min. 8. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
153908-S1 12/15 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$36
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Evergreen Swag Workshop
The holiday season calls for fresh evergreen decorations! Create your very own evergreen swag with holiday charm. Amy Oliver, Landscape Designer at Arbor Farms Nursery, will help you assemble fresh and fragrant branch tips of fir, cedar and pine into a festive evergreen swag with 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 you would like to incorporate into the swag. Age 16 +. Registration deadlines: November 30 and December 5. Min. 10. Max. 25.
Code Date Day Time
153902-S2 12/8 Sa 10-11 am
153902-W1 12/12 W 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Baking with Sweets So Geek 102
Baking with Sweets So Geek returns to the farm this winter to help you explore some new realms of baking. We’ll dive into sauces with créme anglaise and mousses, explore yeast items with cinnamon rolls and pizza dough, work with oil for some amazing fried goods like donuts and churros, and finish up with an in-depth class on soufflés! Ages 16+. Instructor Chad Seewald is the head cake guy at Sweets So Geek where he gets to mix his loves of food and fandom. Registration deadline: January 7. Min. 5. Max 12.
Code Dates Day Time
153826-M1 1/14-2/4 M 6-8:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$110
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont
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, a simple French loaf and a Japanese Milk bread that makes the absolute best sandwich bread ever! Ages 16+. Instructor Chad Seewald is the owner and head baker at Sweets So Geek, a one-of-a-kind shop that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts and geeky themed chocolates. Registration deadline: January 4. Min. 5. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153826-S1 1/12 Sa 10 am-1pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Learning Center, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Regional Three Course Meals
Join us on a journey through the U.S. as you learn to prepare signature dishes from 4 distinct regions: New England, Southern Comfort, Louisiana Creole and California. Each class session will feature a starter, entrée, and dessert demonstrated and explained by Patrick Whetstone, executive chef at The Personal Palate. 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. A new family and his extreme passion for food has played a significant role in the overall experience of those on the receiving end of his culinary artistry. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: November 29. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
153905-R1 12/6-12/27 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$120
Location: Learning Center at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Cooking Made for You by You
You can serve delicious and elegant food from your own kitchen with just a little training. Each participant, upon registration, may submit three questions or areas of concern regarding the preparation of seafood, meat, poultry or starch and vegetables. Instructor Chef Patrick Whetstone from The Personal Palate will incorporate these questions/concerns as he demonstrates scrumptious dishes and explains the science behind them. The best part . . . each session ends with taste testing! Age 18 +. Registration deadline: January 3. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
153906-R1 1/10-1/31 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$120
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Hearty Lunch from the Farmers’ Market
Fort Wayne has some of the best farmers’ markets, but what can you do with all that fresh produce? Make a premium vegetarian sandwich, including the homemade bread and “everything sauce!” Local farmers, Ann and Matthew of Atom Acres will show you how easy it is. Registration deadline: March 4. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153831-M1 3/11 M 7-9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$52
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Breakfast for Dinner
Whether you’re serving breakfast in bed for a special holiday or simply looking for a great way to start the day, this class is sure to enhance your breakfast making skills. You will learn how to make eggs benedict, lemon and honey crepes, and sweetened hot chocolate. Instructors Ann and Matthew are local farmers from Atom Acres. Registration deadline: February 11. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153830-M1 2/18 M 7-9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$64
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Farm to Fork with Instapot
The Instapot pressure cooker is the latest “must have” in kitchen equipment. Pressure cooking is much faster, seals in moisture and flavor and foods can be cooked directly from the freezer with no thawing required. Local farmers Ann and Matthew from Atom Acres will show you how to use your Instapot for delicious farm-to-fork meals such as ribs, rice and fresh sautéed greens. Registration deadline: January 2. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153827-T1 1/8 T 7-9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Experience the Food of Love
Say “I love you” with food that brings feelings of euphoria or comfort. Chef Patrick Whetstone of The Personal Palate will demonstrate the preparation of 3-course Italian, Southern, French and Aphrodisiac meals in this upscale cooking series. Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 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. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: January 31. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
153907-R1 2/7-2/28 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$120
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Prohibition Kitchen: Holiday Drinks
Are you the designated bartender at social gatherings? Impress your family and friends with holiday season with delicious craft cocktails. You will learn to navigate the necessary tools and techniques for creating craft cocktails while learning about the history and traditions associated with them. We’ll even debunk some of the myths about booze. Instructor Christopher Glover from Old Crown relies on his 6 years of bartending experience to guide you through the class. Registration deadline: December 3. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
153823-M1 12/10 M 7-9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$57
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Winter Warm Up Foods
There’s nothing better on a cold winter evening than a warm, healthy dinner from the fall harvest. Local farmers Ann and Matthew from Atom Acres will share tips on how to eat healthy during the winter months. You’ll help prepare a Portuguese potato soup, thyme tea, roasted spiced butternut squash and ginger-mint-chamomile tea. Registration deadline: February 4. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153829-M1 2/11 M 7-9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Grab and Go Jars
Life can get hectic and meal prepping is hard when you can’t keep track of your Tupperware! Local farmers Ann and Matthew from Atom Acres will show you how to prepare delicious salads and treats in mason jars. This session will feature a Greek salad with homemade dressing as well as apple pie filling using spiced apple cider. You’ll get to take home the food and the jar! Registration deadline: January 22. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153822-T1 1/29 T 7-9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
‘Tis the Season to Pickle!
Save money on your grocery bill and cut down on waste by pickling and canning your vegetables. Each week will feature a different vegetable while you learn each step of the canning process, from prepping produce to processing jars. Each participant will take home a jar of their canned produce. Class sizes are limited to ensure full and careful attention to each participant. Instructor Josh Cockram, owner of Josh’s Jungle, has 20 years of restaurant experience and has been the go-to for canned goods at Farmers’ Markets in Fort Wayne. Josh’s Jungle specializes in salsa, hot sauce, pickles, pickled peppers, and relishes. Ages 12+ (must be able to handle a knife). Registration deadlines are one week prior to each class. Min. 5. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
Pickling Dill Pickles
153904-W1 1/9 W 6-8 pm
Pickled Cauliflower
153904-W2 1/16 W 6-8 pm
Pickled Dilly Beans
153904-W3 1/23 W 6-8 pm
Candied Jalapenos
153904-W4 1/30 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$56
Location: Learning Center at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Little Roots: Culinary Classes
for Preschoolers
*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
153909-T1 12/4 T 10-11 am
153909-T2 1/22 T 10-11 am
153909-T3 2/5 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Cook Your Own Adventure: Culinary Classes for Elementary
Poor planning often leads to poor choices, but with a little know-how and some fun recipes, kids and families can attack hunger with great tasting snacks that also have a nutritional punch. We will make several healthy recipes to inspire healthy habits at home! Each Healthy Hands cooking class begins with a nutrition lesson/game and includes hands-on cooking and instruction. Each child will have an opportunity to eat the delicious snack they made! Ages 5-13. 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 Dates Day Time
Traditional Holiday Cooking
153821-W1 12/5 W 6-7:30 pm
Healthier Holiday Treats
153821-W2 12/19 W 6-7:30 pm
Low Sugar Cooking
153821-F1 1/11 F 6-7:30 pm
Make Your Own Pizza
153821-F2 1/25 F 6-7:30 pm
Valentines Cooking Party
153821-W3 2/13 W 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
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
Salomon Farm Old Barn Rentals
This magnificent old building sits majestically along Dupont Road on a small working farm operated by the Parks and Recreation Department. The peaceful, bucolic setting includes a pond, wetlands, livestock pens, vegetable gardens, prairie grasses and crop fields. The barn, originally built in the late 1800’s, housed livestock and stored farm equipment and served the farm for over 100 years. The barn has been restored to capture the rustic look of the historical structure. The old barn features a large seating area and tables for up to 170 guests and a separate room for the catering operation. A separate but adjacent building houses the restrooms. The Old Barn may be reserved from May-October. For additional information please check out the Rental Opportunities at Salomon link, including the rental contract. Call 427-6000 for more information.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike.
Tri-State Two Cylinder Club
The Tri-State Two Cylinder Club takes its name from the early John Deere tractors that had only had two cylinders that gave them the distinctive popping sound. In some circles these old tractors were called “Johnny Poppers”. Although most of the members own John Deere tractors, there are a lot of other “colors” (manufacturers) around the Salomon Farm as well.
The Two Cylinder Club at Salomon Farm Park is responsible for farming most of the crop fields (corn, soybeans, wheat and oats). The DeKalb County Horsemen also farm three smaller fields using draft horses and mules for their work.
The Two Cylinder Club is a major player in our Fall Harvest Festival. They provide about 28 volunteers for all the different events during the festival. In addition, the club has found old time farm equipment, restored the pieces and then placed them in the Heritage Barn for the enjoyment of our visitors.
Blacksmith Shed
Thanks to The Maumee Valley Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at Festivals. Join the Maumee Valley Blacksmiths at 9 am on the 4th Saturday 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 our FFA volunteers for making the 2018 Field Day so special!
Photos courtesy of Fred Van Fossen
Testimonials
Salomon Farm Park is an amazing place. Our trip was very educational and we learned a lot. We had a wonderful time! They loved the animals. P. Hunter
Outstanding presentation! Teacher extremely knowledgeable, helpful and well prepared. Marylou H.
Thank you. The class was well organized and Kay was prepared. She supplied so much information and was very helpful. Her helpers were kind, polite and very professional. Kay is a down to earth, no fuss person, and does not make you feel like you do not know what you are doing (even though I did not). I am excited about this subject and will use my knowledge gained in this class. Kay also gave us unlimited access to her for future questions, which I know I will have. She was an excellent instructor. Thank You. A. M.
