Special Events
Fall Harvest Festival
September 27/28
Join us at the upcoming Fall Harvest Festival! 
For more information about this years Harvest Festival check out this blog post!
For more information make sure to read the U-Pick Flower Fields Blog!
Fall Classes
Highland Cow Meet & Greet
Brush, pet, play and take pictures with these adorable animals! You will have the opportunity this fall for a private meet and greet with our friendly Highland cows, Mickey and Frankie. Each Meet & Greet session is 30 minutes of exclusive interaction with one of our cows for up to 4 people. It makes a wonderful family outing. Closed toe shoes are a must. Registration deadlines are one week prior to each Meet & Greet session. Ages 10+.
Dates: September 15, 21; October 13, 26; November 9, 17
Times: 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 1:00, 1:45
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$65
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Park in the lot near the windmill.
Goat Yoga at the Farm
Yes, goat yoga is a real thing . . . and you can give it a try at Salomon Farm Park this fall! 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: October 5. Min. 10. Max. 20. (This class will be held outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of rain.)
Code Date Day Time
453870-S1 10/12 Sa 9-10 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$20
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Park in the lot by the windmill.
Vendors Wanted for 2024 Fall Harvest Festival
We are now accepting applications for the Farmers’ Market at the 2024 Fall Harvest Festival. 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. Baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, food, demonstrations, entertainment and/or children’s activities are all welcome. The market will be held Saturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 427-6790 ext. 2 for an application.
Harvest 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: September 11. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453865-W1 9/18 W 8- 9 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$5
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Basic Seed Collection Training
Pollinator Partnership is working with a coalition of partners and an amazing team of dedicated volunteers (that’s you!) to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across the Midwest and Great Lakes Region to support imperiled native pollinators and the vital habitat on which they depend. As a Project Wingspan volunteer you’ll be taught the basics of collecting regionally native seed followed by a field demonstration of plant identification and seed collection for our target species. The trainer will be Maraiah Russell, Indiana State Coordinator with Pollinator Partnership. The training is free. Ages 10+. Registration deadline: September 9. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453600-M1 9/16 M 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/Free
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Putting Your Garden to Bed
We all need rest – including our gardens! They have worked hard all summer and deserve being put to bed appropriately. While some people advocate just leaving everything until spring, research indicates that some chores are better done in the fall. Learn what to do to give your garden (and equipment) the best treatment. Presenter Marlene Purdy is a Purdue Master Gardener and an OAGC Flower Show Judge in Ohio. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 25. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453860-W1 9/11 W 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Beekeeping 101
Whether it’s intended as a hobby or a side hustle, beekeeping is rather challenging and requires you to learn a few things. Glenn Hile, owner of Glenn’s Natural Honey, will share his knowledge of beekeeping in a how-to manner. You will learn about the science of honeybees, best practices of experienced beekeepers, beekeeping equipment, bee biology and behavior, common bee pests and diseases, managing a hive throughout the year and more! Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 24. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453859-T1 10/1 T 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Blacksmithing Workshops
While blacksmithing was once considered a dying trade, today’s blacksmiths produce anything from stunning works of art to the tools we use daily by combining contemporary technology with age-old smithing methods. Learn new blacksmithing 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 long 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 each class session. Registration deadlines: September 28 and October 19. Min. 3. Max. 6.
Code Dates Day Time
Blacksmithing for Women
Class meets 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. No class on December 7.
453819-S1 10/5-12/28 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 5/$30
Blacksmithing (Open to all)
453819-S2 10/26 Sa 9-11 am
11/23
12/28
# Sessions/Fee: 3/$30
Location: Blacksmith Shop, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Painting with Wool
Wet felting is the process of combining layers of wool into one flat piece of felt fabric. You will create a beautiful 6” x 6” sunflower “painting” using a variety of colorful wool fibers. Class will be held in the sunflower field for inspiration. Susie Powe of Cousin Susie’s Felting has been working with wool since 2012 when she started making dreadlocks for her local dance community. She is pleased to share her love for the fiber arts. All necessary equipment and materials will be provided. Please wear closed toe shoes. Ages 12-adult. Registration deadline: September 3. Min. 7. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453875-T1 9/10 T 5:30-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Needle Felted Fairy House
Create an 8” tall needle felted fairy house table lamp with a removable flower roof. This adorable fairy house has windows that will show the flicker of the electric tea light candle. The outside will be decorated with needle felted flowers, vines, and bushes using a variety of specialty sized needles for tiny flowers and shadowing of the vines. We will discuss the ergonomics of needle felting and tools to have in your bag that will save you time and hand fatigue. A rainbow of colored wool will be available for you to decorate your fairy house. Ages 12-adult. Instructor: Susie Powe. Min. 6. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
453876-M1 10/21 M 5:30-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$50
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Macarons
Learn to master the macaron with fun designs and fall flavors. Instructor Jessica Waggoner of The Hazelnut Baking Co. will teach you all you need to know about this classic cookie. Registration deadline: October 15. Ages 18+. Min. 7. Max. 14.
Code Date Day Time
453854-T1 10/22 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. In this class you will help prepare pierogi with two different types of fillings under the guidance of instructor Suzi Hanzel. Ages 16+. Registration deadline: October 16. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453852-W1 10/23 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Sushi Made Simple
Discover how fun and easy it is to make your own sushi - vegetarian or with meat! Once you learn the basic process, making your own sushi at home will be a snap. Ages 16+. Instructor: Suzi Hanzel. Registration deadline: October 17. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453848-R1 10/24 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Thanksgiving Bakes
Learn how to make two holiday favorites. The best pumpkin roll anyone can do and the most delicious dinner rolls around! Ages 18+. Instructor: Jessica Waggoner of The Hazelnut Baking Co. Registration deadline: October 30. Min. 7. Max. 14.
Code Date Day Time
453855-W1 11/6 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Sip and Savor: Tea Essentials
Join us on this fun and educational journey to learn about this aromatic beverage enjoyed all around the world. You will experience multiple tea tastings, savor foods that pair well with the teas, and receive tea samples to take home, all while learning the origins of tea, differences between tea varieties, how to ensure tea quality, health benefits of tea and more! Your guide on this journey is Lori Berndt, owner of The Olive Twist, a local retail olive oil store. Ages 12+. Registration deadline: November 4. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453904-M1 11/11 M 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Miso Happy
Miso is a key ingredient in Japanese cooking and it forms the base of many dishes, including miso soup. There are more than 1,000 types of miso with different texture, flavor and color. Dashi, an all-purpose vegetable broth made from sea kelp, is also a staple in Japanese cooking. Suzi Hanzel will share her knowledge of both staples while the miso soup, miso dressed salad and a miso glazed chicken is being prepared. Ages 16+. Instructor: Suzi Hanzel. Registration deadline: November 14. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453857-R1 11/21 Th 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! Younger siblings are welcome to stay with their caregiver, but 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. 17.
Code Date Day Time
Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels
Your child will learn about the colors of the rainbow while making a very colorful wrap with different vegetables which we will chop ourselves! We’ll “wrap” the class with a story, if time allows.
453920-T11 9/24 T 10-11 am
Stuffed Pita Pockets
Everyone will prepare the ingredients they want to stuff inside their pita pocket and choose their favorite sauce.
453920-W7 10/9 W 10-11 am
Breakfast Banana Splits
We’ll provide the banana and you prepare your toppings! Instead of ice cream, we will use yogurt to make a healthier option for breakfast!
453920-W8 11/13 W 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 kept small so that recipes can be catered to the ability of the student! Each class offers hands-on cooking and time for taste testing at the end! Ages 6-14. Instructor: Meghan Hauser. Registration deadlines: September 17, October 2 and November 6. Min. 7. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
Baked Soft Pretzels w/Cheese Sauce
We’ll make our own dough and twist it into pretzels. While they are baking we’ll make a delicious cheese dipping sauce. We are unable to accommodate gluten or dairy restrictions in this class.
453921-T10 9/24 T 6-7:30 pm
Pasta Primavera and Salad
A lot of vegetable chopping will be happening this evening as we prepare our vegetable laden Pasta Primavera and a fresh salad.
453921-W4 10/9 W 6-7:30 pm
Thanksgiving Appetizers
Just in time for Thanksgiving, participants will try a couple of appetizer recipes that would be perfect to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering!
453921-W5 11/13 W 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Needle Felting for Youth
In the world of crafting, needle felting produces one of the cutest end products! It looks complex, but is really simple to make and the results are elaborate sculptures made completely out of wool. After choosing colors and a design (natural or whimsical) you will felt a mushroom. All necessary equipment and materials will be provided. Sue Powe of Cousin Susie’s Felting has been working with wool since 2012 and has dedicated herself to share her love for the art form and fiber arts. Ages 8-14 Registration deadline: September 16. Min. 6. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453931-M1 9/23 M 5:30-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Kids Painting on the Farm
Bring out your inner artist! We’re in a painting frenzy at Salomon Farm Park this fall. Our instructor Angela Esselburn will share her passion for art as she guides you step-by-step from blank canvas to finished painting. Subjects include Cozy Dog (watercolor), Scarf Cat (canvas) and Santa Mug (canvas). These classes provide a unique opportunity to express yourself through art and bond with your peers in an engaging setting. All necessary supplies will be provided. Ages 6-12. Registration deadlines: September 12, October 10 and October 31. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
Cozy Dog
453934-R1 9/19 Th 6-7:30 pm
Scarf Cat
453934-R2 10/17 Th 6-7:30 pm
Santa Mug
453934-R3 11/7 Th 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Photo Credit: Denny Beck
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 maybe even make some animal sounds as you and your little one have fun learning together. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Register for free with Allen County Public Library at acpl.libnet.info/event. After Storytime, join us for a wagon ride around the farm ($5/person, age 2 and under free).
Dates Day Time
9/13 & 9/20 F 10:30 am
Location: 817 W. Dupont Rd, follow paved road back to the windmill.
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 August 13-through mid-October, 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. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Contact DeAnna Harris 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.
Seeking 2024 Fall Harvest Festival Vendors
We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Fall Harvest Festival. 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. A vendor may also include baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, food, demonstrations, entertainment and/or children’s activities. The Fall Harvest Festival is Saturday September 28, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. If you are interested in receiving a Fall Harvest Festival 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..
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
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.
This brochure goes over everything Salomon Farm Park has to offer, be sure to check it out before visiting!
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.
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. 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 projects for your group to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Larry at 427-6005.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike
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!
