November 23, 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 November 28-December 4:
Featuring:
Summit City Music Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol
December 1-11
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol captivates, entertains and changes hearts. In December, Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields bring a new adaptation of this classic tale to the Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park along with a cast of talented local artists and musicians. This show is rated G and is family-friendly. Tickets are $25 per person and seating is general admission. The historic venue is not heated, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets to stay cozy and warm. Purchase tickets online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by phone at 260-427-6000.
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 3,
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Tis the season for Christmas cheer, handmade gifts and goodies. Christmas on the Farm offers horse drawn wagon rides provided by DeKalb Co. Horsemen, photos with Santa Claus, a crafting activity for kids, letter-writing to Santa, vendors in the Wolf Learning Center for holiday shopping, live holiday music by Mike Conley in the Old Barn, food available for purchase in the Old barn provided by the Lions Club and Christmas tree sales (while supplies last). Admission is $5 per car.
Wassail Celebration
Sunday, December 4, 3:00-6:30 p.m.
Jennings Youth Center, 1330 McCulloch Street
Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves toasting to good health. Kick off the holiday season with performances reminiscent of Wassail’s past and refreshments such as cookies and a traditional nonalcoholic Wassail punch. The celebration is free and open to the public.
Holiday Window Displays at Promenade Park
Now until 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 now until January 3, and can be best viewed at dusk.
Happy Smallidays Holiday Exhibit
Now until January 8, 2023, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
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.
Santa and Reindeer Saturdays
December 3, 10, 17, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Meet Santa himself and a friendly and majestic reindeer on the first three Saturdays in December. While indoors, enjoy jolly scenery accompanied by the “Happy Smallidays” holiday exhibit. Be sure to visit with a reindeer in the outdoor garden. Note: Santa will take a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
$1 Night Light Display
Thursdays and Fridays, Until December 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
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
December 3, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
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 while supplies last. Call 260-450-9365 to schedule a weekday appointment.
Days of Holly Shopping continues
Saturday, December 3, 10, and 17, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Be inspired and find holiday gifts in the Conservatory Shop! 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.
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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