2022

May 13, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of May 15-22:

“Emergence: Live Butterfly Exhibit”

April 23-June 26, Public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

The live butterfly exhibit continues at the Botanical Conservatory bringing an array of natural beauty and wonder! As plants and butterflies emerge with warmer weather, we too unfurl like the tendrils of plants and the wings of butterflies. Flying, climbing and vining, they remind us of our own inner workings and what it takes to reach greater heights. Come “hang out” and enjoy a twist in this year’s exhibit where vines and butterflies intertwine! Learn more at botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by The English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Richard Fox and Family, The Waterfield Foundation, Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation, WPTA21 and 97.3 WMEE.

May 13, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

                 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brett Eldredge to Play at Foellinger Theatre, September 23

General and In-Person Sales Begin Friday, May 20

Fort Wayne, Ind – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that Fort Wayne’s Foellinger Theatre will host Brett Eldredge and feature his new Songs About You album on September 23, 2022. Lauren Alaina will play as the opening act. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.

In a genre defined by the credo “three chords and the truth,” Brett Eldredge is about to set a new bar with his forthcoming album, Songs About You, due June 17. Candid in its approach and backed by an uncluttered, minimalistic soundscape, each of the 12 co-written songs finds the Warner Music Nashville artist getting raw and unfiltered in a way rarely attempted in country music – or anywhere else.

The LP shines a light on themes like fear and desire, a public struggle with anxiety and his newfound appreciation for self-acceptance. And yet, despite the understated arrangements and live horns, the album’s defining characteristic is still Eldredge’s cavernous, signature vocal. The title track and single “Songs About You” was the most added song at radio upon release and along with previously released tracks “Holy Water” and “Want That Back,” gives fans a taste of what’s to come from the new album.

Eldredge has been engaged in one of country’s most transformative evolutions since the 2020 release of his critically acclaimed fourth studio record, Sunday Drive, when he began consciously pushing beyond clever, rom-com country anthems. With help from GRAMMY-winning producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, Eldredge brought the album to life by leaning into vulnerability and pulling inspiration from his own personal experiences. He released the brand-new holiday album, Mr. Christmas, in 2021 following his highly celebrated debut Christmas album, Glow. In 2016, the project inspired a single live show in Nashville, which has now grown into the annual Glow LIVE holiday tour, hitting major cities across the country. With seven country radio No. 1’s, nine Gold and Platinum-certified singles, two Gold-certified albums and multiple CMA, ACM and CMT Music nominations and wins, the critically acclaimed entertainer regularly fills arenas nationwide with his powerhouse vocals and electrifying live performances.

All general and in-person sales at the Parks and Recreation Department (705 East State Blvd.) begin Friday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Purchase Theatre Tickets.

Masks are recommended inside city and park facilities but are no longer required as of March 1, 2022.

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May 9, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

                 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

General and In-Person Sales Begin Friday, May 13

Fort Wayne, Ind – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that Fort Wayne’s Foellinger Theatre will host Melissa Etheridge and feature her new One Way Out album on August 2, 2022. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.

Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers-songwriters for more than three decades.

She stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, then delivered such memorable originals as "Bring Me Some Water," "No Souvenirs" and "Ain't it Heavy," leading to the massive hits, "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window," followed by the hit single, "I Want to Come Over."

Early in her career she acknowledged her sexual orientation when it was considered less than prudent to do so. In 2004, after being diagnosed with breast cancer and losing her hair from chemotherapy, Etheridge appeared on the 2005 Grammy® telecast to sing "Piece of My Heart" in tribute to Janis Joplin. Eventually she won her health challenge and gave hope to many women afflicted with the disease.

As a performer and songwriter, Etheridge continues to captivate and inspire audiences across the country with her signature rasp and substantial guitar chops combined with her endless tenacity.

All general and in-person sales at the Parks and Recreation Department (705 East State Blvd.) begin Friday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Purchase Theatre Tickets.

Masks are recommended inside city and park facilities but are no longer required as of March 1, 2022.

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May 6, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

                 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of May 9-15:

“Emergence: Live Butterfly Exhibit”

April 23-June 26, Public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

The live butterfly exhibit continues at the Botanical Conservatory bringing an array of natural beauty and wonder! As plants and butterflies emerge with warmer weather, we too unfurl like the tendrils of plants and the wings of butterflies. Flying, climbing and vining, they remind us of our own inner workings and what it takes to reach greater heights. Come “hang out” and enjoy a twist in this year’s exhibit where vines and butterflies intertwine! Learn more at botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by The English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Richard Fox and Family, The Waterfield Foundation, Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation, WPTA21 and 97.3 WMEE.

Book Sale

May 10-12, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Wayne Community Center, 233 West Main Street

Book sales are open to the public and feature hardback books for $1, paperback books for 50¢ and DVDs for $1. Other items such as magazines, cards, CDs and puzzles are also available. Donations of these items are accepted year-round.

Trek the Trails Bike Ride

Tuesday, May 10, 6:00 p.m.

PFW Ron Venderly Bridge and Coliseum Blvd.

The 2022 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet at the Ron Venderly Family Bridge on the southwest side of the PFW campus for an 7.5 mile ride. There is no cost to participate. All experience levels are welcome and participation is at your own risk. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets. Trek the Trails is sponsored by Trek Bikes Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Harley Davidson, and UAW 2209. Follow the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails, Fort Wayne Running Club, and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on social media for weather-related updates. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: http://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.

$1 Admission to the Botanical Conservatory

Thursday, May 12, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

The Conservatory admission is just $1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday. Plus, Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.

Tread the Trails

Thursday, May 12, 6:00 p.m.

PFW Ron Venderly Bridge and Coliseum Blvd.

Tread the Trails is for individuals of all skill levels; runners, walkers and wheelchair users are invited to participate. All Tread the Trails events are five kilometers in distance, with the option for a longer or shorter experience if the participant chooses. All should be prepared with water. Individuals participate at their own risk. Tread the Trails takes place every other Thursday. Tread the Trails is organized by Fort Wayne Public Works and Fort Wayne Trails in partnership with the Fort Wayne Running Club and the City of New Haven. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: http://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.

Wild Walkers: Dygert Nature Preserve

Friday, May 13, 8:45-10:45 a.m.

4245 N 50 W, Columbia City, IN

Explore some of northeast Indiana’s finest outdoor areas with a nature-oriented group. Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Each hike features a different natural area in the region. Carpooling is available when necessary. See the full 2022 schedule on www.fortwayneparks.org.

Fiber Arts Celebration 2022

Friday, May 13, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road

Fiber Arts Celebration is back for a two-day celebration of natural fiber heritage and crafting, with a focus on education. Enjoy demonstrations and shopping with local makers, plus hands-on activities and farm animals. Vendors specializing in fiber arts such as wool, yarn, spinning, felting, weaving and more will sell equipment, supplies and traditional and modern art. Food vendors will also be on site. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will also host a pop-up Job Fair at Fiber Arts Celebration. This event is sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne.

Community Extravaganza

Saturday, May 14, 12:00 -4:00 p.m.

McMillen Park Center, 3901 Abbott Street

Free games, fun, prizes and food will be offered for families at the annual Community Extravaganza. This event will also include commercial vendors and community resource booths such as a pop-up job fair where those age 16 and above can apply for a job with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. Parents can also register children (ages 5-18) for the free summer youth program. For more information, visit fortwayneparks.org or call McMillen Park Community Center at 260-427-2420.

Paint with Your Pup

Sunday, May 15, 1:00-3:00p.m.

Auer Lawn, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Your pup is the artist in this creative enrichment activity. For a $10 registration fee, each pup will be provided with an 8x10” canvas, paint and dog-safe sunflower butter to complete a masterpiece. Afterwards, stop by the photo booth where your dog can pose with his painting. Your dog will not be in contact with the paint, but will be encouraged to eat the sunflower butter as part of the process. Each dog must be accompanied by at least one dog handler. If registering more than one dog, it must be under another name from your household. Please plan to keep your dog leashed, and pick up after him or her. Register online at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000 during normal business hours. Registrations will be accepted on site for the Paint With Your Pup activity (with cash or card) but pre-registration ensures materials for your pup.  

Masks are recommended inside city and park facilities but are no longer required as of March 1, 2022.

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