Photo credit to Denny Beck
Children’s Culinary Classes
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
2539 5/21 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Learning Center
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 Theme
353909-T1 8/16 F 10 am- 11 am International Food: Mini Pizzas
353909-T2 8/20 Tu 10 am- 11 am Funday Fruits – Layered Fruit Salad
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center
817 W. Dupont Rd.
Kids in the Kitchen
What do children and goats have in common? They both love tasty treats! Participants in this hands-on program will learn how to stay safe in the kitchen and dive into cooking while preparing something that they and their furry friends are sure to love. Once the food is done, we will head out to share our snacks with the goats and learn a little more about them! Ages 6-11. Min. 10 Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
3539 8/6 T 10 am – 12:30pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15.00
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
2539 5/22 W 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Learning Center
Adult and Teen Culinary Classes
Healthy Alternatives with Chef Renee Williams
Experience the world of healthy alternatives! This class will focus on transforming those rib-sticking comfort foods into healthy meals the whole family will love. We will learn about new techniques and new ingredients along the way. Age 16+. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min.6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/6 M 6-8pm
2539 5/20 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Learning Center
Straight from the Garden
Are you sick of plain steamed vegetables? Do you ever get frustrated trying to figure out what to serve with a beautiful cut of meat? Well, this is the class for you! We will be focusing on how to transform your garden vegetables into delicious and healthy dishes you would have never thought about. Age 16+. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min 6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/7 T 6-8pm
2539 5/21 T 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Learning Center
Vegan Meal Prep
Vegan way of eating has become more and more popular. However, there are challenges that come with it. This class will focus on a breakfast, lunch, and dinner option to help spice up your day of healthy eating. Age 16+. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/13 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Learning Center
Week Day Brunchin’
Hosting brunch can be a stressful task. What better way to prepare for it then to prep now for your brunch party this weekend! Come join us for Mimosas and Mocktails while we brunch it up at Salomon Farm. Age 21+. Registration deadline: May 7. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/14 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$50
Location: Learning Center
Sauce Making
Want to bring flavor to one of your favorite dishes? In this class you with learn the basics about sauces and how they can change the complexity of a dish. You will produce a few sauces that will be a good foundation to help you make a wide variety of sauces by just adding a few ingredients. 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. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: May 9. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/16 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Making Ice Cream with Sweets So Geek
I Scream, you scream - quit screaming and make your own ice cream! Like pretty much everyone on the planet, you love ice cream. Now learn to make your own! From an exploration of the different types of ice cream, the best equipment for the home enthusiast, how to make a 2 ingredient frozen dessert, and even creating a vegan ice cream from avocados, we'll go over some of the secrets of one of life's greatest pleasures – and we'll eat a bit while doing it! Registration deadline: June 21st. Min. 5. Max. 12.
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$50
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Code Dates Days Time
3538 6/29 S 10am-2pm
Baking 101 with Sweet 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. Topics covered may also include scones, cornbread, cake basics and substitutions for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, basic cookies, variations on chocolate chip types, crème brulee, and cheesecake. Please note class size is limited to ensure our instructors are able to give their full and careful attention to the participants. Ages 16+. Registration Deadline: May 27. Min. Max 8.
Code Dates Days Time
3538 6/3 M 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Quickbread Basics
6/10 M 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Cake Basics
6/17 M 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Cookie Basics
6/24 M 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Custard Basics
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$110
Location: Learning Center at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. DuPont
Late Summer Treats with Sweets So Geek
As summer winds down into fall it becomes the time for some of the best treats on the planet. As nights get chilly, S'mores over a fire are a staple. Learn to make your own marshmallows and graham crackers! Pears start appearing around this time, so of course we'll poach pears and serve them with a spiced pound cake, seared on a grill! Registration deadline: August 2. Min. 5. Max. 12.
Code Dates Days Time
3538 8/10 S 10am – 2pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45.00
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Knife Skills Class
Every wonder how those professional chefs do so great at chopping vegetables? Wonder no more! Chef Patrick Whetstone will teach you how to sharpen, fine tune, and care for your kitchen knife. In this hands-on class, you will practice basic cuts on fruits and vegetables and learn cutting techniques and hand placement. You’ll use these knife skills every time you cook, so if you only take one cooking class, this should be it! Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Days Time
3538 8/22 Th 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Year Round Soup
Soups have a place in everyone’s heart, from the warm comfort on a cold day, to the aroma that fills the house as it slowly simmers. In this class we will work together to create 3 different soups that will be easy for you to recreate at home. We will be making 1 cold soup that can be enjoyed in the middle of summer and 2 hot soups that will warm your bones in the winter. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Days Time
3538 8/1 Th 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Cocktail Classes
Prohibition Kitchen Cocktail Classes: Summer Sippin’
Learn to impress your friends and family with delicious cocktails. Christopher Glover from Old Crown brings his 6 years of bartending experience to guide participants through creating craft cocktails. Each class will offer of a demonstration and instruction on a themed set of cocktails, focusing on a particular spirit or style. Once you’ve mastered the tools and techniques you’ll get to make and sip your own cocktails in a fun relaxed environment. Registration deadline: One week prior to each class. Min. 10. Max. 25.
Code Dates Day Time Theme
3538 8/5 M 7-9pm Tiki Cocktails
3538 8/12 M 7-9pm Whiskey Cocktails
3538 8/19 M 7-9pm Gin and Vodka Cocktails
3538 8/26 M 7-9pm Summer Punches
3538 9/2 M 7-9pm Agave Spirits
# Sessions / Fee: 1/$54
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
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
Agriculture for Children
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 friends. The rabbits, chickens, and goats are all excited to meet you, and we hope that you are too! 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.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 4/29 M 10 – 11 am
2539 5/2 Th 10 – 11 am
Playdate with Rabbits Min. 3. Max 6
2539 5/6 M 10 – 11 am
2539 5/23 Th 10 – 11 am
Playdate with Goats Min. 6. Max. 12.
2539 5/9 Th 10 – 11 am
2539 5/20 M 10 – 11 am
Playdate with Chickens Min. 6. Max 12
#Sessions/fee: 1/$10
Location: Outdoors
Tots and Pots
*Adult/Child
It is never too early to get started in the gardens! In this hands-on session, participants will paint their own flower pot with the help of their caretaker and then head out to the gardens. While there, participants will get to learn about the different fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, try some of the produce available, and then pick their favorites to plant in their flower pot! Ages 3-5. Min. 6. Max 20.
Code Dates Day Time
3539 8/8 Sat 10 am – 11:30am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$20.00
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center
817 W. Dupont Rd.
Teen Programs
Farmers in Training Orientation
Ages 13-17
Monday, May 20
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park Old Barn
817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne
Do you have a teen age 13-17 that loves animals? Are they all about tractors? Do they have a green thumb in the garden? We’re proud to introduce our Farmers in Training program; this free program includes in-depth sessions about caring for livestock, tending fields, farm equipment, care for gardens, and beekeeping! Come on out to orientation to sign up for these free sessions. For questions, please contact our farm operations supervisor Gretchen Winters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. After orientation the club will meet every other Monday from 5:30 – 7pm.
Basics of Baking for Teenagers
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: May 31. Min. 5. Max. 12.
Code Dates Days Time
3539 6/8 S 10am – 2pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
The Hammer Heads: Blacksmithing for Teens
Want to learn about blacksmithing? Join the club! The Hammer Heads Club is for youth ages 11-17 who want to learn this almost-forgotten craft. Local blacksmiths will teach shop safety and how to build a coal fire. You’ll learn about blacksmithing tools, how to use them, and will get hands on experience creating a project. The curriculum is designed for beginners. The club will meet at the Salomon Farm Blacksmiths’ Forge. Hammer Heads must wear 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. Registration is required. Registration deadline: June 3. Min. 2. Max. 6.
Code Dates Days Time
3539 6/15, 7/6, 7/20 Sa 10 am – 12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 3/$20
Location: Salomon Farm Park Blacksmith Forge, 817 Dupont Rd.
Educational
Learn to Identify Native vs. Invasive Plants
What does it mean to call something a native plant? What are invasive plants? Join members of the Northeast chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society to learn the difference (and why it's important to know) in a classroom and field setting. Dress for the weather as we will include short hikes during this workshop. This program is free but registration is required and space is limited. Registration deadline: July 22. Min. 5. Max 25.
Code Date Day Time
3536 7/27 Sa 9 am - 12
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Family Learn to Fish Workshops are designed specifically for families (new to fishing) to learn how to fish. Families will learn a little fish biology, gain some basic fishing skills, and get to go fishing at the park's lake or pond. No experience is needed. A fishing license is required for adults. Youth ages 17 and younger are exempt from the fishing license requirement. All fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Children must be 6 years or older and must be accompanied by a related adult. Workshop is free but pre-registration is required. This workshop is sponsored by the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife's Go FishIN program.
Date Day Time
7/13 Sa 10a – 1pm
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Meet draft horses up close and personal and learn all about these magnificent animals. You will learn about the various breeds, the harnesses used and the types of work the horses perform. Bring a lawn chair and any questions you have. This program is presented by the DeKalb County Horseman’s Association and is FREE and open to ages. Pre-registration is required by June 4. Min. 5. Max. 100.
Code Date Day Time
353701-S1 6/8 Sa 1-3 pm
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
In this introduction to horseback riding, you will tour one of Fort Wayne’s finest equestrian facilities, learn some amazing facts about horses and the equipment necessary for riding, then get in the saddle to learn basic riding skills. Please wear boots or closed toe shoes. Summit Equestrian Center is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center with a highly trained staff of equine specialists. Visit www.SummitEquestrian.org to learn more about the facility. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: July 15. Min. 5. Max. 8.
Code Date Day Time
342860-M1 7/22-7/23 M, T 12:30-2:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 2/$52/$57 after July 15
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd. 
Photo credit to Denny Beck
Outdoor Recreation
Fun with Fishing
Get ready for the summer by learning how to fish! This educational program is designed to teach new and beginning anglers everything they need to know to be ready to get out and fish all across Fort Wayne! Participants will learn how to tie their line, handle a fish, and stay safe in this hands-on program! Everything you need will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite rod or tackle and join us for this family fun program! Ages 8-14. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 10. Max 20.
Code Date Day Time
2539 5/11 Sa 12-2 pm
#Sessions/fee: 1/$15
Location: Dead Horse Bottom Pond
MD & Me: Walk-n-Learn
Beginning Tuesday, May 21 6 – 7 p.m.
Third Tuesday of each month, May – October
Come jump-start your exercise program by listening to a physician presentation on a specific health topic, and then join us on a walk on the paved Salomon Farm Park loop trail. The trail is paved asphalt, making it a great choice for people with strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to ask the physician your own questions. At each session we will have free blood pressure screenings, educational materials, and snacks. In case of inclement weather, we will meet at Salomon Farm Park Old Barn and decide if we need to relocate to walk the indoor track at the Parkview YMCA at 10001 Dawson’s Creek Blvd. To register for any of the MD and ME: Walk-n-Learn events, please register online at http://parkview.com/mdandme or call 1-866-784-6706.
Tuesday, May 21
Kristen Gerhardstein, MD, PPG-Family Medicine
Vegan vs. Keto: What you need to know before changing your diet.
More dates and topics to come!
This program is made possible in partnership with Parkview Health.
Location: Old Barn
Photo credit to Denny Beck
Events
Farmers’ Market at Salomon Farm Park
Every Wednesday: June 5 – September 4
4—7pm
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.
Saturday, June 1, 9am – noon
Salomon Farm Park – Learning Center
817 Dupont Rd.
Salomon Farm Park, Fort Wayne City Utilities, and Riverview Nursery have teamed up to encourage residents to purchase native perennial plants and help support pollinators by providing a diverse habitat. Many rain garden plants provide nectar and larval food for butterflies, such as Marsh Milkweed, a host plant for the monarch butterfly, and Golden Alexander, the host for black swallowtails. The native plant sale features varieties that can be difficult to find. Master Gardener Martha Ferguson and her Riverview Nursery will have native perennial plants that have been grown from seeds gathered at sites around the Fort Wayne area. Riverview Nursery will be selling many of the native plants recommended by the City Utilities Rain Garden program.
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!
