Summer Cooking Classes!
Ready to Register? Note, Registration for summer programs (June-August) begins on May3!
Most kitchen accidents involving a knife happen not because the knife is too sharp, but because it is not sharp enough. Chef Patrick Whetstone explains this phenomenon and demonstrates how to sharpen, fine tune and care for your kitchen knives. Once the knives are properly sharpened, you will practice basic cuts on fruits and vegetables while learning cutting techniques and hand placement that make cuts on your hands and fingers a thing of the past. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 9. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
353822-W1 8/16 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Cozy up this winter with some warm and moderately spicy Thai food? Chef Patrick Whetstone will help you prepare a delicious Coconut Soup, Thai Fried Rice with Pineapple and Chicken, and Spicy Basil Chicken . . . true classics from a most flavorful region! Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 16. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
353827-W1 8/23 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Join us in the Salomon Farm kitchen as Instructor Jessica Waggoner of The Hazelnut Baking Co. rolls out her best tips and techniques for buttery flaky crusts and tasty fillings . . . the ingredients of a prize-winning pie. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 4. Min. 7. Max. 14.
Code Date Day Time
353820-F1 8/11 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
If you have ever taken a cooking class with Chef Patrick Whetstone, you know he is not shy about his lack of proficiency when it comes to baking. Join us this evening as he shares his simple approach to Crème Brûlée, Non-Traditional Crisp and Griddle Cake. It’s so easy anyone can do it. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 23. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
353828-W1 8/30 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Did you know that some of the plants growing wild in your back yard may actually be edible? Wild food forager Carrie Vrabel will lead three walks this summer at Salomon Farm identifying common edible plants and sharing how they can be used for food and medicine, as well as how and when to harvest them. You will even have the opportunity to taste them. Carrie Vrabel is certified by the state of Indiana as a Wild Mushroom Identification Expert and is the founder of Wild Edible Indiana. Ages 8+. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration deadlines: July 1, July 22 and August 12. Min 10. Max 20.
Code Date Day Time
353818-S3 7/8 Sa 10 am-12 pm
353818-S4 7/29 Sa 10 am-12 pm
353818-S5 8/19 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$18
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 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. Meet by the homestead. Registration deadline: June 3. Min. 10. Max. 50.
Code Date Day Time
353844-S1 6/10 Sa 10-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$5
Children under age 5 attend free with registered adult.
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Homestead, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
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 most have a parent or guardian present during class session. Registration deadline: July 15. Min. 3. Max 5.
Code Dates Day Time
353819-S1 7/22 & 8/26 Sa 9-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 2/$20
Location: Blacksmith Shop, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Advanced Blacksmithing for Women
Advance your blacksmithing skills by learning new decorative techniques to create functional items. Previous forging experience is required. 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 most have a parent or guardian present during each class session. Class meets at the Blacksmith Shop on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Registration deadline: June 24. Min. 3. Max. 6.
Code Dates Day Time
353830-S1 7/1-9/16 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 6/$30
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
2023 Salomon Farmers’ Market Seeks Vendors!
We are now accepting applicants for the 2023 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 7-September 6. 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.
Photo Credit: Denny Beck
Meet Our Chefs
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
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.
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. 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.
Peggy Alberda
Peggy has been making bread and baking since she was a teenager. Peggy is a local Children's author who has written a book based on a day in their home with their grandchildren. "Hugo Makes Bread with Grandad". Hugo spends the day with his grandparents and learns to make bread in the loving care of his grandparents. Peggy is the owner and director of Restored to Glory Dance Ministry in Leo.
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 receipes from Fort Wayne's Sister Cities. Suzi has learned to create many delicious dishes not only from these Sister Cities, but from more than 30 countries she has visited over the years.
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.
Testimonials
Cooking Classes
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
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
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 most have a parent or guardian present during class session. Registration deadline: March 18. Min. 3. Max 5.
Code Dates Day Time
253860-S1 5/27 Sa 9-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 3/$20
Location: Blacksmith Shop, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Pictured above demonstrators from the 2022 Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Festival.
Salomon Farm Parks Virtual Guided Hike
Until we can meet up again...you can check out the hike video and see what we are doing!
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
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike
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Salomon Farm Volunteer Opportunities
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).
Photo credit to Erin Eicher with InJoy Photography
Photography at the Farm
Any professional photographer that is exchanging their services for money and using Salomon Farm Park must purchase a photographer pass. Hobbyist photographers do not need a photographer pass.
We are pleased that Salomon Farm Park has become a popular destination for photography. Capturing memories for Fort Wayne residents at this gorgeous public park couldn’t make us any happier! Beautiful barns, rolling meadows, quaint gardens, and acres of cheery sunflowers (seasonally) make Salomon Farm Park an attractive place for photography. Passes may be purchased in person at the Parks and Recreation main office in Northside Park at 705 E. State Blvd, 46805 (entrance on Parnell Ave) or over the telephone (260) 427-6000. Business hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. All fees will directly support Salomon Farm Park operations.
The 2023 Photography Pass Agreement/Registration form is now available. Please review the photography pass agreement before purchasing your pass.
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.
Faces of the Farm - Facebook Conversations
Flax and Fleecers: Video released May 8
Wild Walkers 2023
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.
2023 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!
