December 15, 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 December 19-25:
Featuring:
Winter Solstice Walk/Ride and Bonfire
Wednesday, December 21, 4:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Let’s light the night on the shortest day of the year! This free walk or ride event celebrates the Winter Solstice on the Pufferbelly Trail. After gathering at the Wolf Learning Center on the farm, bicyclists will depart at 4:45 p.m. for a 6.5-mile ride and walkers will follow at 5:00 p.m. for a 1.65-mile trek. All participates are invited back to Salomon Farm at 5:45 p.m. for refreshments provided by Trek Bikes Fort Wayne, a bonfire and stories about the history of Salomon Farm. Bicycles are required to have a white light at the front and a red light or reflector at the rear of their bikes. Helmets are strongly recommended. Walkers should bring a flashlight or lantern to light up the night. To make the event more festive, attendees are encouraged to decorate themselves and their bikes in festive attire – prizes are on the line for the most festive cyclist and walker! Attendees staying for the bonfire are encouraged to bring a chair. This event is sponsored by the City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Fort Wayne Trails.
Christmas Movie in the Park
Thursday, December 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 2020 West Superior Street
Reward your Santa’s Helpers with a screening of the Sony Pictures Animation/Aardman movie “Arthur Christmas” (2011) directed by Sarah Smith and Barry Cook. All ages are welcome, however please be aware that the film is rated PG. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling 427-6000. Seating is limited. For more details email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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.
$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. 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.
Also happening:
Art Display
Meghan Wilhelm: “Presence” Until January 5
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Meghan Wilhelm is an artist and illustrator from Fort Wayne, IN. While she participates in various local art initiatives, her artwork has also been exhibited at a national level. Wilhelm’s display “Presence” at the Botanical Conservatory collects the body of work created as her senior thesis project. Since her graduation from the Herron School of Art and Design, these animal-themed pieces are exhibited together for the first time! The sole concept behind the collection is to explore the impact and the presence that animals invoke on the environments in which they live. Each piece melds an interest in the natural and fantastical and brings light to the importance of several notable endangered species.
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.
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