What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Raise a Glass! Exhibit Opening
Saturday, June 29 – November 17, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The Botanical Conservatory is celebrating 40 years! Since 1983, this unique botanical venue has served as a cultural anchor in Fort Wayne, having welcomed nearly three million visitors from near and far! During its 40th anniversary, the Botanical Conservatory is capturing vivid streams of light and reflecting into glimmers of a vibrant future. Raise your glass to the continued health, happiness and success of this community treasure. Sponsored by: Fort Wayne Park Foundation, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Majic 95.1, WANE 15 and Sycamore Tree Care.
From Concept to Celebration
June 29 – November 16, public hours
Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This visual timeline displays the history of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory from an original idea to our current-day fortieth anniversary! Images, news articles and short stories provide historical context during the celebratory Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit. Enjoy this unique display as a collaboration of archives from both the Foellinger Foundation and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
Sweet Breeze Specialty tour, Enchanted River Excursion: Princess Party
Saturday, June 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
South Dock, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Area princesses are welcome to join this specialty cruise wearing their finest dress and tiara for a river tour with a live princess! This two-hour event will include a staff-led craft on the dock. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at www.RideSweetBreeze.org, in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours.
McKinnie Commons Connections
Sunday, June 30, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 28, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, McKinnie Avenue and South Anthony Blvd.
Join Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on the second Thursday and final Sunday in June and July. The McKinnie Commons Connections events welcome the community to gather for entertainment, food and learning opportunities to foster conversation.
Featuring:
(Break) Dance Promenade: Street Style
Tuesdays, July 2 and 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Kids, teens and adults are welcome to participate in free breakdancing classes. ICNH is a professional dance crew that focuses on spreading an awareness and love of street dance and its many styles. Crew member Sockie Phommachanh will lead participants in a variety of forms like Krump, Breaking, Popping, Vogue, Hip Hop and many more. Please register by the Tuesday prior to classes online at www.FortWayneParks.org. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.
Raise a Glass! $1 Nights
Thursdays, July 4 – November 14, 5:00 – 8:00
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Here’s a toast celebrating not only 40 years as a unique botanical venue for public education and enjoyment, but 200 years since Allen County was officially born. During the Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit, take advantage of $1 admission every Thursday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Cheers to the Botanical Conservatory as a community treasure serving over 3,000,000 tourists and residents since opening its doors in 1983…and here’s to Allen County steadfast since 1824 with 400,000+ residents thriving and residing today. Together, the Botanical Conservatory and Bicentennial Executive Board wish to celebrate the past, present and future with you!
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Thursday, July 4, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)
Saturday, July 6, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, July 7, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90 minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
South Dock Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Travel Fort Wayne’s rivers on Sweet Breeze, an authentic 1840 canal boat replica. This fully accessible tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Choose 90 minute or 45 minute cruise options. Tickets are $30 per person for a 90-minute cruise, $23 for a 60 minute tour and $20 per person for 45-minute cruise. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at www.RideSweetBreeze.org, in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours. Walk-ups are welcome at the dock as space is available by cash or credit card. Specialty tours are scheduled throughout the season. Visit the website to see all of the options.
20th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 3, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and continuing each Wednesday until Sept. 4
Salomon Farm Park 817 West Dupont Road
Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market. Stop by and say hello to the herd members—Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos, as well as the goats, miniature horse and sheep.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, July 2, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Haley Elementary School, 2201 Maplecrest Road
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 7.6 mile bike 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 UAW Local #2209, Three Rivers Velo Sport and Bike Fort Wayne and is presented by the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails. 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: https://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html
