What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Featuring:
Winter Solstice Walk/Ride & Bonfire
Thursday, December 21, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
On the shortest day of the year, let’s light the night! Bring a flashlight or battery-operated lantern and join us by wheel or by heel as we enjoy the Winter Solstice on the Pufferbelly Trail. Cyclists are encouraged to light up their bicycles for fun, but required to at least display a front white light an red reflector for safety. The Walk/Ride will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Participants are invited to gather back at Salomon Farm following the walk/ride for refreshments, a bonfire and activities. This is a free community event sponsored by The City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. Follow @SalomonFarmPark and @FortWayneParks on Facebook for updates and weather-related cancellations.
Reminder:
Santa & Reindeer Saturdays
Saturdays, December 16 and 23, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This December, Santa himself returns to the Botanical Conservatory on all Saturdays leading up to Christmas! Strike a pose with the man in red while enjoying indoor scenery accompanied by the “Timeless Tradition” holiday exhibit. Please note: Santa takes a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. While visiting, you also won’t want to miss out on an outdoor appearance with a friendly and majestic reindeer. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Air-Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
$1 Night Light Display
Thursdays & Fridays, through December 22, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The gardens in light are best seen at night! Find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery as part of illuminated photo ops at the Botanical Conservatory. Stroll through gardens glistening and glowing every Thursday and Friday evening leading up to Christmas. Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
Holiday Showcase Exhibit: Timeless Tradition, 40 Years
Until January 7, 2024, public hours
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Holidays at the Botanical Conservatory have delighted the community as a family favorite over the last 40 years. Its gardens in light and scenes of merriment contribute to a warm holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Fresh cut evergreens, a lush poinsettia tree and deep ruby undertones are the backdrop to this year’s memories. Join us in celebrating an oasis of growth and tradition. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, Wilson Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Air Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.The Conservatory will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink
Tuesday-Thursday, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Fridays in December, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
Enjoy skating outside in downtown Fort Wayne. Admission is $6 for age 3 and above and free for age 2 and under. Skate rental is $3. Ice conditions are subject to weather. On Fridays in December, the rink will open at noon. Stay up to date on special holiday hours and parking on the @HeadwatersParkFW Facebook page and FortWayneParks.org. Ten-punch admission cards for the Headwaters Ice Rink are now available for sale at the rink admission trailer (10 admissions/$50) or at the Main Office (705 E. State Blvd.) Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Credit cards are accepted.
Art Display features Julia Meek: Fort Wayne Traditions
November 28–January 5
Artist Reception: December 10, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne native Julia is a radio host, graphic artist and legendary community volunteer who has contributed to Northeast Indiana Public Radio both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts “Folktales” and “Meet the Music.” She also hosts live concerts and festival stages in northeast Indiana and coordinates special programs with Gregg Coyle, Director of Clyde Theatre. Known for her accessible arts and cultural offerings, Julia's list of achievements includes Easter Seals ARC's 26-year Portraits of Pride series and two decades of Cityscapes and Schooldays renderings, countless private commissions, multiple Mastodons on Parade, Canal Society of Indiana co-founder, Three Rivers Festival Millennial Artist and Fort Wayne's 1st Female Muralist designation as well as various works of public art including a recent mural in the Landing neighborhood.
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