Meet Our Chefs
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Meet Our Salomon Farm Chefs
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.
Suzi Hanzel
Suzi is a retired teacher who has taught many cultural food classes. She travels often, has taken classes from cooking experts around the world, and loves to share her knowledge of their culture. She recently co-edited the “Taste of Sister Cities” cookbook that highlights international recipes from Fort Wayne’s Sister Cities. Suzi has learned to create many delicious dishes not only from these Sister Cities, but from the more than 30 countries she’s visited over the years.
Meghan Hauser
Meghan is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking. She spends a lot of time cooking and creating meals for her family. She enjoys teaching her 6 children that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean boring and gross food! Her mission is to inspire families to plant wholesome roots for a healthy lifestyle. Little Roots and Roots Culinary Classes are taught by Wholesome Roots Cooking Instructors.
Jessica Waggoner
Jessica is a lifelong Fort Wayne native with degrees in both pastry arts and psychology. After spending the last 10 years in the corporate world, she stepped away to focus solely on baking. Owner of The Hazelnut Baking Co., a cottage bakery named after her young daughter, Hazel. She loves how food connects cultures, communities, and the joy good quality baked goods brings to people.
Spring classes
Registration starts on February 7, 2024
Full Moon Night Hike
Join us for a peaceful night hike under the light of a full moon! We’ll meet at the Learning Center and take a short trek through the woods. All ages welcome; however, children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline: April 16. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
253615-T1 4/23 T 8- 9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/Free
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Meet the Bees
Get up close and personal with Salomon Farm’s bee population. We’ll meet at the Learning Center and take a wagon ride to the hives where beekeeper Glenn Hile will show you around and answer any questions. Protective clothing will be provided. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: May 4. Min. 6. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
253853-S1 5/11 Sa 1-2:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Blacksmith Skills Workshop
Learn new techniques and practice your forging skills while working on simple projects. Participants must wear leather closed-toe shoes, full-length pants, natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, etc.) and hair must be tied back. Gloves and protective eye wear will be provided. Ages 15+. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during class session. Registration deadline: April 20. Min. 3. Max 5.
Code Dates Day Time
253860-S1 4/27, 5/25, 6/22 Sa 9-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 3/$20
Location: Blacksmith Shop, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Goat Yoga
Yes, goat yoga is a real thing . . . and you can give it a try at Salomon Farm Park this spring! Be prepared to have goats snuggle beside you, nibble on your hair, climb on your back, and above all else, melt your heart. Space is limited so register early! Ages 18+. Instructor Laura Kahn has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching since 2017. Registration deadline: May 11. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
253865-S1 5/18 Sa 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$20
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Meet Our Salomon Farm Chefs
Jessica Waggoner
Jessica is a lifelong Fort Wayne native with degrees in both pastry arts and psychology. After spending the last 10 years in the corporate world, she stepped away to focus solely on baking. Owner of The Hazelnut Baking Co., a cottage bakery named after her young daughter, Hazel. She loves how food connects cultures, communities, and the joy good quality baked goods brings to people.
Meghan Hauser
Meghan is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking. She spends a lot of time cooking and enjoys teaching her 6 children that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean boring and gross food! Her mission is to inspire families to plant wholesome roots for a healthy lifestyle.
Suzi Hanzel
Suzi is a retired teacher who has taught many cultural food classes. She travels often, has taken classes from cooking experts around the world, and loves to share her knowledge of their culture. She recently co-edited the “Taste of Sister Cities” cookbook that highlights international recipes from Fort Wayne’s Sister Cities. Suzi has learned to create many delicious dishes from the more than 30 countries she’s visited over the years.
Sushi Made Simple
Discover how fun and easy it is to make your own sushi - all vegetarian or with meat! Once you learn the basic process, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create your own sushi. Ages 16+. Instructor: Suzi Hanzel. Registration deadline: April 16. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
253844-T1 4/23 T 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Traditional Polish Pierogi
One of the most popular Polish foods is a delicious filled dumpling called a pierogi. As with many traditional foods, recipes are handed down from generation to generation and have as many variations as there are people. This class, instructed by Suzi Hanzel, will prepare pierogi using two different types of fillings. Registration deadline: April 17. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
253849-W1 4/24 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Seeking Vendors for 2024 Salomon Farmers’ Market
We are now accepting applicants for the 2024 Salomon Farmers’ Market season. Vendors must produce their goods within a 75-mile radius of Salomon Farm Park and are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities. The Farmers’ Market operates every Wednesday, 4:00-7:00 p.m. from June 5-September 4. If you are interested in receiving a vendor application, please call 260-427-6790 ext.2 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Art of Baking
Anyone can bake, but what makes a great baker? Instructor Jessica Waggoner of The Hazelnut Baking Co. will share the secrets successful baking in these five classes. Registration deadlines are 7 days prior to each class.
Spring Macarons
Transport to the streets of Paris as you master these classic delectable little cookie bites in their perfect pastel spring colors. Ages 18+. Min. 7. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
253847-W1 4/17 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Mother’s Day Baking Party
Celebrate you, your mom, or just the great women in your life, with a fun filled evening of wonderful baking. Themed drinks and treats will be served while we bake. Ages 12+. Min. 7. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
253847-F2 4/26 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Festive Spring Tarts
Tarts are perfect for a warm or rainy springtime party. Learning the tricks to a delicious tart is a must in any baking toolkit. We will make both savory and sweet tarts. Ages 18+. Min. 7. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
253847-W2 5/8 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 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 learning and cooking! Any child participating in class must register. Ages 2-6. Instructor: Meghan Hauser. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Prince and Princess Tea Party
Come dressed for a royal tea party! We will make finger foods that are perfect for a tea party and enjoy them together!
253909-T4 4/16 T 10-11 am
Encanto & Arepas Con Queso
Let’s try some of the Colombian food served in Encanto! We will mix up arepas, do an activity while they cook, and enjoy them together!
253909-T8 5/21 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Roots: Culinary Classes for Youth
Designed to help children feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen, our Roots classes allow students to grow in their culinary skills. Classes are small so recipes can be catered to the ability of the student! Each class offers hands-on cooking time and instruction, and also allows time for eating! Ages 6-14. Instructor: Meghan Hauser. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. You may drop your child off at 6:00 and pick them up at 7:30. This class is meant for kids to learn amongst peers and not designed for parent involvement. Min. 7. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
Breakfast Hand Pies
253917-T1 4/16 T 6-7:30 pm
Apple Dip and Homemade Tortilla Chips
253917-T9 5/21 T 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Storytime on the Farm
Storytime is an interactive and energetic way to develop your child’s love of reading. Listen to stories, sing songs, and make animal sounds as you and your little one have fun learning together. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Register for free with the Allen County Public Library. After Storytime, join us for a wagon ride around the farm. The cost is $5/person (age 2 and under free).
Date Day Time
4/19 F 10:30 am
Register at acpl.libnet.info/event/9573270
4/26 F 10:30 am
Register at acpl.libnet.info/event/9573271
Location: 817 W. Dupont Rd, follow paved road back to the windmill.
Mommy and Me Painting
Want to do something special with your kiddos for Mother’s Day? Create memories and a beautiful work of art together as you paint flowers on an 8” x 10” canvas. Instructor Angela Esselburn has been an educator for almost 20 years. She will guide you step-by-step. Ages 5-adult. Registration deadline: May 3. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
253940-F1 5/10 F 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$20
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Field Trips on the Farm
Salomon Farm tours make a great field trip for any group. Offered in 1-2 hour increments on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from March 19-May 24, tours feature visits with goats, pigs and chickens, a stop in the garden, and talk about life on the farm. Wagon rides are also available upon request for farm tours of 1½ hours or more. All ages welcome! The cost is $4/participant/hour. Teachers, caregivers and adult chaperones are free. A minimum fee of $30/hour applies to all groups. Field trip scheduling is subject to availability and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please contact DeAnna Harris at Salomon Farm Park at 427-6790 ext. 2 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for questions and scheduling.
Garden Volunteer Orientation
Monday, April 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Salomon Farm Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Down and dirty or neat and clean, volunteers are an integral part of Salomon Farm Park, completing tasks such as preparing beds, planting, weeding, working with garden tools, minor maintenance and combating unwanted bugs. Volunteers also harvest and sell produce at the Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays (June-September) and do garden documentation in spreadsheets and word documents. Garden volunteers meet every Monday and Thursday morning from April through September and receive a share in the garden produce. You do not have to commit to the whole season, or for every scheduled work day, and no previous gardening experience is required. An orientation will be held at the farm in the Learning Center on Monday, April 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a guardian. To sign up for the orientation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (260) 427-6790 by April 15.
Salomon Farm Volunteer Organizations
Salomon Farm Park relies on volunteers to help maintain the park and provide various amenities and services to our community. If you are interested in becoming a garden volunteer or getting involved in farm park operations indirectly through the Tractor Club, Flax and Fleece Guild, or Gardeners of America, please plan to attend any of the clubs’ meetings. All meetings are held at the Salomon Farm Park in the Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd. Please direct any questions regarding volunteering or possible service project for your group to Larry at 427-6005 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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. For more detailed information or to sign up check out www.dirtwain.com or Salomon Farm Park on Facebook.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike
Salomon Farm Volunteer Opportunities
Salomon Farm Park relies on volunteers to help maintain the park and provide various amenities and services to our community. If you are interested in becoming a garden volunteer or getting involved in farm park operations indirectly through the Tractor Club, Flax and Fleece Guild or Gardeners of America, please plan to attend any of the clubs’ meetings. All meetings are held at Salomon Farm Park. Please direct any questions regarding volunteering or possible service projects for your group to Larry at 427-6005 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Photo Credit: Denny Beck
Field Trips on the Farm
August 8-Mid October
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
Salomon Farm offers field trip tours from August 8 through mid-October in 1- or 2-hour increments. Farm tours feature goats, pigs and chickens with general animal bios, visits to the garden and discussions of general farm life. A wagon ride is available upon request for farm tours of 1½ hours or more. All ages welcome! Field trip fees are $4/participant/hour. Teachers, caregivers, and adult chaperones are free. A minimum fee of $30/hour applies to all groups. We can accommodate up to 30 students per tour and 1:10 chaperone to student ratio is recommended. 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 ext.2 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for questions and scheduling.
2024 Salomon Farmers’ Market Seeks Vendors!
We are now accepting applicants for the 2024 Salomon Farmers’ Market season. Vendors must produce their goods within a 75-mile radius of Salomon Farm Park and are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities. The Farmers’ Market operates every Wednesday, 4:00-7:00 p.m. from June 5-September 4. If you are interested in receiving a vendor application, please call 260-427-6790 ext.1 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you have questions about Salomon Farm, feel free to e-mail us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Testimonials
Cooking Classes
Chef Patrick is a wonderful instructor because he listens, is knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond to prepare for his classes. -Lana Scherer
Chef Whetstone was helpful, approachable, gave great tips, and answered questions. The food was delicious! -Ashley Kas
Wonderful class with an amazing chef! I will be trying Chef Whetstone‘s recipes at home! -Betty Lars
Instructor Suzi was very pleasant, sweet voice, and did an awesome job! Thank you! -Heather Lyres
Excellent, Thank you! -Kayden Janit
Chef Patrick was fun to watch cook and engaged the whole class. Will look for more classes. Lisa
Love the classes! Always a repeat! Guat
A great, laid back introduction for homemade pasta. Beginners and more experienced cooks will enjoy and learn techniques. Sandra
Use food to learn about culture and broaden your horizons in the world we share-Jeanette
Chef Whetstone is always organized, fun, professional and knowledgeable. Most of all the recipes are delicious and interesting. Lana
Patrick is very informative and makes the class very fun and interactive. Tina
Awesome class. Learned a few tricks that were really cool and time savers. The three dishes were delicious, easy to make and definitely something I can do at home. Pat
Great class and instructor! Carrie
The combination of the cooking knowledge gained plus the cultural and personal history made this very enjoyable. Anita
Delicious food, great comradery, and excellent instructor. We had a blast. Shay
Chef Patrick offers help and suggestions and makes you comfortable. Realistic ideas that you can use at home. Highly recommend!
-Laura
We enjoyed taking the class and learned new and valuable tips for making pizza at home. Plus, the pizza was delicious! Deanne
We loved this easy-to-follow and fun, delicious pizza! We would take another class!. Lindsay
This cooking class was so much fun! I learned a lot and the food was delicious! Thank you, Fort Wayne Parks, for offering this opportuinty. I'll be back! Megan
Patrick is an amazing instructor. I’ve attended four of his cooking classes always learn something new. The classes are fun and the food in delicious. -Pat Caney
Our instructors were a joy to learn from. We all laughed the whole time and the lesson was organized and very enjoyable. -Renee Earley
Little Roots
The tea parry was phenomenol! The class was very well prepared and presented. A "true tea party" was represented with a little history, a cute reco[e card amd elegamt cups, plates, etc. The verbal directions were easy to follow and very child friendly. No wonder there was a waiting list for this. Jeui
Great class- as always! Just enough parental instructions to keep us informed as to what to do and how to assist without overpowering our children so they can learn through the experience. I love that I can be catered to different ability levels and that there is a large variety of foods to eat. Terri
Urban Birding
I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the presenters. Each of them appeared to be interested in providing the best information that was available on the subjects on hand. Michael
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
Salomon Farm Volunteer Opportunities
Salomon Farm Park relies on volunteers to help maintain the park and provide various amenities and services to our community. Anyone interested in becoming a garden volunteer or getting involved in farm park operations indirectly through the Tractor Club, Flax & Fleece Guild or Gardeners of America, may attend any of the clubs’ meetings. All meetings are held at Salomon Farm Park in the Wolf Family Learning Center. Please direct questions regarding volunteering or service project for your group to Larry Hicks at 427-6005 or email 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, 7:00 p.m.
The Tri-State Antique Tractor Club tends the crop fields and is a key piece of our annual Fall Harvest Festival. The club is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of old farm machinery. 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. For more information, contact Eden at (260-427-6790).
Gardeners of America Club
2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
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! For more information, contact Eden at (260-427-6790).
Flax and Fleecers Guild
2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm
The Flax and Fleecers Guild is a group dedicated to the fiber arts: spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting and more! In addition to the monthly meetings, the guild participates in many activities throughout the year, including spin-ins, Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, spinning at the Old Fort, and many more. The club meets at Salomon Farm Park in the Learning Center on the second Tuesday of each month. The group gathers at 6:30 pm for business followed by a program or show and tell. Guild meetings in July and December will be held off site. For more information, contact Eden at (260-427-6790).
Wild Walkers 2024
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.
2024 Wild Walker Schedule
Blacksmithing
Thanks to Salomon Farm Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at events. Folks interested in joining the blacksmith club are required to complete the beginner’s workshop. Keep checking this page or our Facebook page for workshop dates. The blacksmith club is for individuals 18 years or older. The club meets one Saturday morning a month.
The peaceful setting of Salomon Farm Park makes our elegant rental spaces perfect for weddings, receptions, reunions, concerts, dances, and many other special events.
Please contact our rental coordinator at 260-427-6790 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your space.
Thanks to Carroll High School's Future Farmer's of America for their continued support of Salomon Farm Park!
