November 17, 2022
Contact: April McCampbell
P: 260-427-6024
C: 260-241-1932
Manager of Communications
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Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of November 21-27:
Featuring:
Santa’s Workshop
Wednesday, November 23, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Fort Wayne Parks Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Discover holiday fun for all ages at the Community Center on the Night of Lights starting at 4:30 p.m. Make a craft, have a refreshment, do a little Christmas shopping and stay for the festival rooftop lighting at 6:05 p.m. The Community Center will accept donations of new or gently-used stuffed animal bears. Sponsored by Summit City Nursing and Rehabilitation, American Senior Communities and Park Place Senior Living.
$1 Night of Lights
Wednesday, November 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Kick-off the holidays with a stroll through enchanted gardens glistening and glowing all throughout the Conservatory. During Night of Lights, admission is just $1 in celebration of this downtown holiday tradition! Take it all in and be inspired by a heartwarming story in collaboration with the “Happy Smallidays” holiday exhibit. The Conservatory Shop and Conjure Coffee’s Conservatory location will be open to serve. This event is in partnership with Downtown Fort Wayne. Sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Sensory-Friendly Night of Lights
Wednesday, November 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 W. Superior Street
Escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a relaxing light show presentation using low lighting, aromatherapy, soft music, and guided relaxation at the newest Riverfront initiative—“sensory friendliness” is introduced. The program will be offered in 8-minute sessions throughout the evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages and abilities.
Holiday Window Displays at Promenade Park
Thursday, November 24-January 3
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Make the most of winter light at Promenade Park with a showcase of handmade paper cut light boxes. These delightful creations are believed to have originated from China after paper was first invented. Many countries picked up the skill, but Switzerland remains the enduring leader referring to the art form as Scherenschnitt. Riverfront’s light boxes were designed and hand-cut by staff using ideas of common winter scenes at Promenade Park such as the swings, the Historic Wells St. Bridge, and the Convergence Sculpture. The light boxes have multiple layers of paper with lighting from behind to show more detail in perspective, texture, and dimension. The display can be seen in the windows of the Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park from November 24 to January 3, and can be best viewed at dusk.
$1 Night Light Display
Thursdays and Fridays, November 25-Decemer 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Conservatory gardens in light are best seen at night! Brighten your holiday plans with a visit to the Conservatory where lush gardens are embellished in the spirit of the season. Find yourself surrounded by charming displays with stunning poinsettias, illuminated photo ops and more. Cross gift buying off your list when stopping into the Conservatory Shop and delighting in the selection of trendy and thoughtful gifts. From Black Friday until Christmas, be sure to take advantage of $1 admission on Thursday and Friday nights after five. Members are invited to bring a guest or two for free admission on Thursday and Friday Nights (5:00-8:00 p.m.) by showing their member card to the admission desk.
Christmas Tree Sales
November 25, 26, December 3, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
November 27, December 4, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Weekdays by appointment
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Find a perfect tree for the season. Christmas Tree Sales will be available for sale at Salomon Farm Park from a regional grower. Call 260-450-9365 to schedule a weekday appointment.
Days of Holly Shopping Kick-off
Saturday, November 26, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Be inspired and find holiday gifts in the Conservatory Shop! Cozmé Jewelry will host a lovely pop-up shopping experience in the Conservatory lobby. In addition, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., author Jamie Ward will sign and discuss her new book “100 Things to Do in Indiana Before You Die”. Days of Holly Shopping is an exciting way to support locally-owned and operated shops throughout downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops, and the Wells Street Corridor on Small Business Saturday! Presented in conjunction with the Downtown Improvement District, Days of Holly Shopping continues on the first three Saturdays in December: December 3, 10, and 17.
Sip and Shop
Saturday, November 26, 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Stop by Promenade Park for a special experience during Holly Shopping. The Park Foundation Pavilion will be open as a shopping location for Riverfront merchandise, river and promenade-themed art from local vendors, and passes from our neighboring parks. You can also join the silent auction to bid on eco-art murals featuring Promenade Park and other proud Fort Wayne themes—all produced by the local community with recycled bottle caps. Delicious winter-themed beverages and snacks will also be available for purchase. All ages are welcome to support local retailers on Small Business Saturday with no admission fee. Take a break from your holiday shopping and warm up inside the pavilion at Promenade Park. Visit with the ‘winter sisters’ for a meet and greet from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and the Grinch from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series: New Horizons Retro Revival
Sunday, November 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
This band plays a variety of music sure to provide enjoyment for any audience. Concerts are free and open to all ages. Indoor seating will be on a first come first served basis.
Happy Smallidays Holiday Exhibit
Now until January 8, 2023, public hours
Little Mouse sneaks into the Conservatory looking to cozy up for the smallidays. However, there is so much commotion that he keeps getting nudged to the side by the hurry and scurry of holiday decorating. He wants nothing more than for everyone to slow down and find joy in the little things. Follow Little Mouse in this endearing holiday story and be inspired by the heartfelt lesson he has to share. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Also happening:
Sammie’s Bottle Cap Murals Online Auction
Open until November 30
The Sammie involved in the Bottle Cap Mural Online Auction is the same Sammie Vance who combined recycling plastic with making friends on the playground with her Buddy Bench program. Vance began creating sketches for the artwork in early 2020. Teaming with Riverfront Fort Wayne and their Caps for a Cause events, a total of five eye-catching 62x48 inch murals have been assembled by members of the community using over 5,000 total plastic bottle caps and displaying themes of Friendship, Inspiration, Rainbow, Colorful Flowers and Love. Proceeds from the online auction will support inclusive programming through Riverfront Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation including sensory events and multi-cultural educational events. Bidding for the Bottle Cap Mural online auction will begin on October 1 and continue until November 30. To learn more, visit RiverfrontFW.org.
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