Fall Special Events
Summit City Music Theatre Presents
A Christmas Carol at Salomon Farm Park
November 30-December 10
at Salomon Farm Park
For years, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has captivated, entertained, and changed the hearts of people all over the world, and now it’s time for Fort Wayne to join in this beloved tradition of Christmas. Join us for our 2nd annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” by Summit City Music Theatre’s artistic director.
Bring your blankets and coats and witness this story of redemption in the historic Salomon Farm Park Old Barn with the entire family. Salomon Farm Park Old Barn is not heated so please plan accordingly to stay cozy and warm during this new family tradition. Seating is general admission, so arrive a half hour early to ensure the best seats and to take advantage of the vendors involved in this experience!
Auditions for this production will be held Sunday, November 5. Details at summitcitymt.com.
Ticket Information
Purchase tickets on-line starting September 15. Or you may call the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation office at 260-427-6000.
Check out "A Christmas Carol" link for additional details.
Fall Classes
Ready to Register?
Kiddie Canvas Cows
If you’ve met Frankie and Mickey, Salomon Farm’s two Highland cows, you know how cute they are. Here’s your chance to take one home with you -- on canvas! All necessary tools and materials will be provided. Ages 5-12. Instructor: Angela Esselburn. Registration deadline: October 12. Min. 7. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453930-T1 10/19 T 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$30
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Youth Classes at Salomon
Highland Cow Paintings
Obsessed with Highland cows? So are we! Here’s your chance to take one home with you . . . on canvas! You will be guided step-by-step from blank canvas to finished work of art in just 2 hours and have your very own whimsical Highland to hang on your wall! All necessary materials will be provided. Instructor: Angela Esselburn. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: October 20. Min. 7. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453850-F1 10/27 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Highland Cow Welcome Sign
Welcome your guests with this unique sign or make it as a gift for someone who loves Highland cows. All necessary tools and materials will be provided. Ages 18+. Instructor: Angela Esselburn. Registration deadline: November 3 . Min. 7. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
453850-F2 11/10 F 6:00-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Meet the Instructor
Angela Esselburn is an art educator with almost 20 years of experience. She has a passion for art and believes that every person should have the opportunity to explore their creativity. She also loves Highland cows!
2023 Salomon Farm Park Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m. through September 6
Salomon Farm Park Old Barn
Our 19th season is coming to a close! Stop in on Wednesday evenings through September 6 for fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, homemade pies and artisan goods.
Just added ANOTHER Dinner in the Flower Field!
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct 14th. from 6-8:30 pm
Treat yourself to a beautiful experience in the flower fields at Salomon Farm Park. First take a trek through the fields selecting beautiful flowers to create your very personalized bouquet then dine amongst the blooms while enjoying a farm-focused dinner. In partnership with Mad Anthony Catering, you will enjoy a 4-course meal, adult beverages, soft music, and conversation with friends. Ages 21+. The reservation deadline is October 9. No refunds for cancellations.
Code to register
453856-R1
Fee: $70.00 per person
Dinner includes a 4-course meal, one glass of wine or beer, and a bouquet of flowers to take home. Adult beverages will be available to purchase onsite after the first glass.
Purchase tickets today for: Dinner in the Flower Field
Storytime on the Farm
*Adult/Child
Storytime is an interactive and energetic way to develop your child’s love of reading. Listen to stories, sing songs, and make animal sounds as you and your little one have fun learning together. Ages 2-6. Register online for these FREE programs with the Allen County Public Library.
Date Day Time
9/8 F 10:30 am
Sign up at: acpl.libnet.info/event/8563536
9/15 F 10:30 am
Sign up at: acpl.libnet.info/event/8563529
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
After Storytime, stay for a hay wagon ride around the farm. The cost is $5/person (age 2 and under free). No pre-registration is necessary for the wagon ride.
Animal Playdates
*Adult/Child
Salomon Farm Park is a great place for the whole family, including your youngest! In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will learn about the animals at Salomon Farm Park. The chickens, goats and pigs are all excited to meet you. Each session will focus on a different animal, so be sure to pick your favorite, or visit each one to meet them all! Ages 3-6. Registration deadlines: September 4 and September 7. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
Playdate with the Pigs
453915-M3 9/11 M 9:30-10:30 am
453915-M4 9/14 Th 9:30-10:30 am
Playdate with the Chickens and Goats
453915-R1 9/11 M 11 am-12 pm
453915-R3 9/14 Th 11 am-12 pm
#Sessions/fee: 1/$10
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Youth Classes at Salomon
Little Roots: Culinary Classes for Preschoolers
*Adult/Child
Empower your little one to create his/her own healthy snacks. We’ve partnered with Wholesome Roots Cooking to offer fun, age appropriate cooking classes bursting with hands-on learning and cooking! Younger siblings are welcome to stay with their caregiver, but any child participating in class must register. Ages 2-6. Instructor provided by Wholesome Roots. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Apples, Apples, Apples
453920-W5 9/27 W 10-11 am
Halloween Party
453920-R2 10/24 T 10-11 am
Kabob Appetizers
453920-W6 11/8 W 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Youth Classes at Salomon
Roots: Culinary Cooking Classes for Youth
Designed to help children feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen, our Roots classes allow students to grow in their culinary skills. Classes are kept small so that recipes can be catered to the ability of the student! Each class offers hands-on cooking and time for taste testing at the end! Ages 6-14. Instructor provided by Wholesome Roots. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 7. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
Greek
453921-W2 9/27 W 6-7:30 pm
Halloween Party
453921-A2 10/24 T 6-7:30 pm
Chinese
453921-W3 11/8 W 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Youth Classes at Salomon
Meet Our Chefs
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Meet Our Salomon Farm Chefs
Patrick Whetstone
Patrick graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at The Personal Palate.
Suzi Hanzel
Suzi is a retired teacher who has taught many cultural food classes. She travels often, has taken classes from cooking experts around the world, and loves to share her knowledge of their culture. She recently co-edited the “Taste of Sister Cities” cookbook that highlights international recipes from Fort Wayne’s Sister Cities. Suzi has learned to create many delicious dishes not only from these Sister Cities, but from the more than 30 countries she’s visited over the years.
Meghan Hauser
Meghan is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking. She spends a lot of time cooking and creating meals for her family. She enjoys teaching her 6 children that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean boring and gross food! Her mission is to inspire families to plant wholesome roots for a healthy lifestyle. Little Roots and Roots Culinary Classes are taught by Wholesome Roots Cooking Instructors.
Jessica Waggoner
Jessica is a lifelong Fort Wayne native with degrees in both pastry arts and psychology. After spending the last 10 years in the corporate world, she stepped away to focus solely on baking. Owner of The Hazelnut Baking Co., a cottage bakery named after her young daughter, Hazel. She loves how food connects cultures, communities, and the joy good quality baked goods brings to people.
Ready to Register?
German Holiday Desserts
Learn how to make two of Germany’s favorite holiday desserts as you observe and help Dana during her visit from Fort Wayne Sister city, Gera, Germany. Be sure to bring a container to take home any leftovers from your culinary experience! Ages 16+. Instructor: Suzi Hanzel. Registration deadline: September 26. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453853-R1 10/5 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Traditional Polish Pierogi
These delicious filled dumplings are easier to make than you think. You will never buy frozen grocery store pierogi again! Instructor Suzi Hanzel shares tried and true techniques for making mouthwatering pierogi using two different fillings. Ages 16+. Instructor: Suzi Hanzel. Registration deadline: November 9. Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453852-R1 11/16 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Greek Cuisine 4.0
Greek cuisine is known for its freshness, color and, most importantly, its flavor! This evening you will create three dishes under the direction of Chef Patrick Whetstone that represent the best of this region: Horiatiki Salad, Briam with Lemon Chicken and Greek Meatballs. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 6. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453845-W2 9/13 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
French Cuisine 4.0
Bring an open mind and a palate that is ready to be revived and alive. You will help create three separate dishes (Lyonnaise Potatoes, Coq Au Vin, Crepes) that can be severed at one dinner and or as individual dishes. Experience of France without leaving the comfort of our kitchen. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 13. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453844-W3 9/20 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Great British and European Bake Series
Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious European treats. This new series is presented by Jessica Waggoner of The Hazelnut Baking Co. Registration deadlines are one week prior to each class.. Ages 18+. Min. 7. Max. 14
Code Date Day Time
French Macarons
Master these classic delectable little cookie bites and be transported to the streets of Paris.
453854-F1 9/15 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Crème Brule and Flan
These rich custards have been served in France, Spain and England for hundreds of years.
453854-T1 9/26 T 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Sticky Toffee Pudding and Scottish Shortbread
Learn to make these tasty desserts from the British Isles just in time for the holidays.
453854-F2 10/6 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Tiramisu and Panna Cotta
These decadent desserts are a true love letter from Italy.
453854-F3 10/20 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Baklava and Kourabiedes
Surprise your holiday guests with flaky and delicious baklava and scrumptious butter cookies with roots in Turkey and Greece.
453854-F4 11/17 F 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Thai Cuisine 6.0
Warm up this winter with some delicious and moderately spicy Thai food. Think Coconut Soup, Thai Fried Rice with Pineapple and Chicken, and Spicy Basil Chicken . . . true classics from a flavorful region! Ages 18+. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Registration deadline: October 4. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453846-W4 10/11 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Seasonal and Fresh 3.0
The garden has been harvested and frost is starting to cover the ground. It’s time to feast on the fruits of your labor and plan meals that are warm and satisfying. Chef Patrick Whetstone will guide you through the preparation of a three-course meal that accomplishes both with Spiced Pumpkin Soup, Seared Pork and Fried Biscuits. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: October 18. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453836-W1 10/25 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Sushi Made Simple
Discover how fun and easy it is to make your own sushi - all vegetarian or with meat! Once you learn the basic process, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create your own sushi. Ages 16+. Instructor: Suzi Hanzel. Registration deadline: August 31, October 19 Min. 5. Max. 16.
Code Date Day Time
453848-R1 9/7 Th 6-8 pm
453848-R2 10/26 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Quick Dinner Solutions 3.0
With the hustle and bustle of our lives today, a home cooked meal can be more dream than reality. If you can free up a Wednesday evening, we’ll introduce three delicious meals that can be prepared start to finish in just 30 minutes: Campanelle Pasta, Cauliflower Fried Rice and Chicken Risotto. Come hungry! Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 27. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
453806-W1 10/4 W 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Putting Your Garden to Bed
We all need our rest – including our gardens! They have worked hard all summer and deserve being put to bed appropriately. While some people advocate just leaving everything until spring, research indicates that some chores are better done in the fall. Learn what to do to give your garden (and equipment) the best treatment. Presenter Marlene Purdy is a Purdue Master Gardener and an OAGC Flower Show Judge in Ohio. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 30. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
453860-W1 9/6 W 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Blacksmith Skills Workshop
Learn new techniques and practice your forging skills while working on simple projects. No previous forging experience is required. Participants must wear leather closed-toe shoes, full-length pants, natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, etc.) and hair must be tied back. Gloves and protective eye wear will be provided. Ages 15+. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during class session. Class meets at the Blacksmith Shop on the 4th Saturday of the month. Registration deadline: October 21. Min. 3. Max 5.
Code Dates Day Time
453819-S2 10/28, 11/25, 12/23 Sa 9-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 3/$20
Location: Blacksmith Shop, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Advanced Blacksmithing for Women
Advance your blacksmithing skills by learning new decorative techniques to create functional items. Previous forging experience is required. Participants must wear leather closed-toe shoes, full-length pants, natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, etc.) and hair must be tied back. Gloves and protective eye wear will be provided. Ages 15+. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during each class session. Class meets at the Blacksmith Shop on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Registration deadline: September 30. Min. 3. Max. 6. Note: Class will not meet on December 2.
Code Dates Day Time
453819-S1 10/7-12/16 Sa 10 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 5/$30
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Register for Adult classes
Dirt Wain Community Composting
Salomon Farm Park has partnered with Dirt Wain, a new composting initiative in the area that processes food scraps from households. Members are provided with a bucket that they fill, drop off at the Farm at their convenience, and then pick up a clean bucket to repeat the process. For more detailed information or to sign up check out www.dirtwain.com or Salomon Farm Park on Facebook.
Photography at the Farm
Beautiful barns, rolling meadows, quaint gardens, and acres of cheery sunflowers make Salomon Farm Park an attractive place for photography. Professional photographers using Salomon Farm Park and charging for their services must purchase an annual photography pass ($50) at the Parks and Recreation Office, 705 E. State Blvd. The pass is valid for the calendar year. Photography passes are not required of hobbyists or professional photographers hired to photograph events in rented facilities. For more details, call 260-427-6000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The 2023 Photography Pass Agreement/Registration form is now available. Please review the photography pass agreement before purchasing your pass.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike
Salomon Farm Volunteer Opportunities
Salomon Farm Park relies on volunteers to help maintain the park and provide various amenities and services to our community. If you are interested in becoming a garden volunteer or getting involved in farm park operations indirectly through the Tractor Club, Flax and Fleece Guild or Gardeners of America, please plan to attend any of the clubs’ meetings. All meetings are held at Salomon Farm Park. Please direct any questions regarding volunteering or possible service projects for your group to Larry at 427-6005 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Photo Credit: Denny Beck
Field Trips on the Farm
August 8-Mid October
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
Salomon Farm offers field trip tours from August 8 through mid-October in 1- or 2-hour increments. Farm tours feature goats, pigs and chickens with general animal bios, visits to the garden and discussions of general farm life. A wagon ride is available upon request for farm tours of 1½ hours or more. All ages welcome! Field trip fees are $4/participant/hour. Teachers, caregivers, and adult chaperones are free. A minimum fee of $30/hour applies to all groups. We can accommodate up to 30 students per tour and 1:10 chaperone to student ratio is recommended. Field trip scheduling is subject to availability and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Salomon Farm Park at 427-6790 ext.2 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for questions and scheduling.
2023 Salomon Farmers’ Market Seeks Vendors!
We are now accepting applicants for the 2023 Salomon Farmers’ Market season. Vendors must produce their goods within a 75-mile radius of Salomon Farm Park and are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities. The Farmers’ Market operates every Wednesday, 4:00-7:00 p.m. from June 7-September 6. If you are interested in receiving a vendor application, please call 260-427-6790 ext.1 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you have questions about Salomon Farm, feel free to e-mail us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Testimonials
Cooking Classes
Chef Patrick was fun to watch cook and engaged the whole class. Will look for more classes. Lisa
Love the classes! Always a repeat! Guat
A great, laid back introduction for homemade pasta. Beginners and more experienced cooks will enjoy and learn techniques. Sandra
Use food to learn about culture and broaden your horizons in the world we share-Jeanette
Chef Whetstone is always organized, fun, professional and knowledgeable. Most of all the recipes are delicious and interesting. Lana
Patrick is very informative and makes the class very fun and interactive. Tina
Awesome class. Learned a few tricks that were really cool and time savers. The three dishes were delicious, easy to make and definitely something I can do at home. Pat
Great class and instructor! Carrie
The combination of the cooking knowledge gained plus the cultural and personal history made this very enjoyable. Anita
Delicious food, great comradery, and excellent instructor. We had a blast. Shay
Chef Patrick offers help and suggestions and makes you comfortable. Realistic ideas that you can use at home. Highly recommend!
-Laura
We enjoyed taking the class and learned new and valuable tips for making pizza at home. Plus, the pizza was delicious! Deanne
We loved this easy-to-follow and fun, delicious pizza! We would take another class!. Lindsay
This cooking class was so much fun! I learned a lot and the food was delicious! Thank you, Fort Wayne Parks, for offering this opportuinty. I'll be back! Megan
Little Roots
The tea parry was phenomenol! The class was very well prepared and presented. A "true tea party" was represented with a little history, a cute reco[e card amd elegamt cups, plates, etc. The verbal directions were easy to follow and very child friendly. No wonder there was a waiting list for this. Jeui
Great class- as always! Just enough parental instructions to keep us informed as to what to do and how to assist without overpowering our children so they can learn through the experience. I love that I can be catered to different ability levels and that there is a large variety of foods to eat. Terri
Urban Birding
I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the presenters. Each of them appeared to be interested in providing the best information that was available on the subjects on hand. Michael
Salomon Trail
Be sure to check out the trail at Salomon! It is open to the public from 6 a,m.-11 p.m. To read more about the trail, check out the Salomon Trail Press Release
Salomon Farm Volunteer Opportunities
Salomon Farm Park relies on volunteers to help maintain the park and provide various amenities and services to our community. Anyone interested in becoming a garden volunteer or getting involved in farm park operations indirectly through the Tractor Club, Flax & Fleece Guild or Gardeners of America, may attend any of the clubs’ meetings. All meetings are held at Salomon Farm Park in the Wolf Family Learning Center. Please direct questions regarding volunteering or service project for your group to Larry Hicks at 427-6005 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tri-State Antique Tractor Club
3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
The Tri-State Antique Tractor Club tends the crop fields and is a key piece of our annual Fall Harvest Festival. The club is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of old farm machinery. Join the club and meet other tractor enthusiasts, assist in tending the crop fields, and get the chance to learn and work on a myriad of antique farm equipment pieces. For more information, contact Eden at (260-427-6790).
Gardeners of America Club
2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
The mission of the Gardeners of America is to promote gardening education and related environmental issues to its membership and the gardening public through charitable, educational and scientific means. Join the club! For more information, contact Eden at (260-427-6790).
Flax and Fleecers Guild
2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm
The Flax and Fleecers Guild is a group dedicated to the fiber arts: spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting and more! In addition to the monthly meetings, the guild participates in many activities throughout the year, including spin-ins, Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, spinning at the Old Fort, and many more. The club meets at Salomon Farm Park in the Learning Center on the second Tuesday of each month. The group gathers at 6:30 pm for business followed by a program or show and tell. Guild meetings in July and December will be held off site. For more information, contact Eden at (260-427-6790).
Wild Walkers 2023
Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Please call Eden at 427-6008 or e-mail eden.lamb@cityof fortwayne.org if you have questions.
2023 Wild Walker Schedule
Blacksmithing
Thanks to Salomon Farm Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at events. Folks interested in joining the blacksmith club are required to complete the beginner’s workshop. Keep checking this page or our Facebook page for workshop dates. The blacksmith club is for individuals 18 years or older. The club meets one Saturday morning a month.
The peaceful setting of Salomon Farm Park makes our elegant rental spaces perfect for weddings, receptions, reunions, concerts, dances, and many other special events.
Please contact our rental coordinator at 260-427-6790 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your space.
Thanks to Carroll High School's Future Farmer's of America for their continued support of Salomon Farm Park!
