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As if you needed another excuse to dote on man’s best friend, here’s another one! Head over to the Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club’s(NEIKC)Old Fort Cluster Dog Show at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Wednesday, Oct. 31 thru  Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012.

The organizers promise this event will be one of the largest dog shows in the Midwest, with more than 150 registered breeds. This five-day dog show is an opportunity for the public to see some of the most popular breeds in the country firsthand, as well as speak to owners, breeders, and handlers about these breeds. This dog show is hosted by the NEIKC, along with LaPorte County Kennel Club, Sturgis Kennel Club, and Marion Kennel Club.  Show hours are from 8 am to 4 pm each day, with Best in Show awarded at the end of each day’s judging.

New this year is Family Day Nov. 3, which will include dog show tours, a costume contest, photo booth and a pet photo contest. A Puppy Match, which will be held following Best in Show on Saturday will end Family Day activities.

While there check out the vendor area, which offers dog related items such as jewelry, collectibles, clothing, grooming and training supplies, custom leads, leashes, and collars, dog toys, vitamins and much more.  (Hey, Fido deserves some pampering, too!) Admission is free, but a donation of a pet food item is encouraged, to be donated to the Community Harvest Food Bank. Insider’s Tip: Admission to the Memorial Coliseum is $4.00, so be sure to have cash on hand.

For more information, visit neikc.org

The food truck craze that has swept the nation has come to Fort Wayne!  Want to learn more? Mark your calendars for 6 to 10 pm October 12 at The Shiloh, 3127 Carroll Road for Foodstock 2012.

This is Fort Wayne’s inaugural mobile food event featuring five or more local mobile food vendors.  Consider it the organizers’ interpretation of Woodstock, food style!

Headlining this event will be JumBy’s JoiNt, Bravas, Ragin Cajun,Affine, The Getaway Grill and sweet treat specialist Whip n Chill. But that’s not all! Enjoy live Music by Todd Harold and the Afrodisiacs, and a game of corn hole.

And for the important part…the food of course! JumBy’s will serve a signature Beef on Weck, Ugly Granny and their ALMOST famous truffle fries among five offerings. Bravas will feature patatas bravas, bocadillos and hot dogs. Ragin Cajun’ will feature jambalaya, flash fried soft shell crab and white chocolate bread pudding (his most popular item to date), Affine will have Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches (probably Pork, Duck Confit and Chicken) and homemade chips, The Getaway Grill will feature Yucatan Shrimp Tacos and Tamales, while Whip n Chill will have frozen treats such as root beer floats and hand packed ice cream.

Why should you attend? This is an opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, participate in the mobile food movement, try and experience an eclectic variety of food, listen to some awesome local bands and have a great night out with family and friends.

Dig in!

Seeing stars doesn’t always mean you’re dizzy. Discover what it REALLY means to “see stars” at an upcoming stargazing gathering organized by the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society. The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society exists to provide community education in astronomy and related sciences.

The public is invited to join the fun of stargazing through telescopes on clear Saturday nights from April to November at Jefferson Township Park, starting one hour after sunset, and continuing for two hours. Admission is free.

Peak into different telescopes as members scopes are varied in sizes, types, styles, eyepieces, filters and objects observed. Or, bring your own telescope and share the views with all. If you are new with using a scope to view the heavens, Saturday night viewing is the perfect place to learn.

Beginners and experts are equally welcome. Society members are on hand to assist in proper setup and can suggest perfect targets for your telescope.

Want to learn more? The Society holds monthly meetings the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Saint Francis Schouweiler Planetarium. Everyone is welcome.

It’s that time of year for all things scary. Discover Fort Wayne’s dark past through ARCH’s “Murder, Mystery, Mayhem” walking tour October 6th and 20th. Here, you can hear the truth about Fort Wayne’s bloody past, rife with murder, hangings and feuds.

On October 6th, plan to leave from ARCH’s fall festival, at 7 pm at the Old Fort. On the 20th, tours leave from the Indiana Hotel Lobby. Cost is $10 for adults; $8 for ages 6-17; and free for children five and under.

Looking for another adrenaline rush? Consider participating in “Haunted History:  The Darker Side of West Central,” Oct 13th. Did you know this historic neighborhood boasts tales of mischief and fright?  Cost is $10 for adults; $8 for ages 6-17; and free for children five and under. The tour embarks from the Scottish Rite, 431 W. Berry St.,  at 7 pm.

Insider’s Note: These tours might not be suitable for young children.

For more information about both events, call ARCH at (260) 426-5117.

The Downtown Deli and Marketplace has something for everyone. Hot items, cold items, baked goods – they’ve got you covered!

Downtown Deli and Marketplace was originally opened in August 2011, by Amy Pinckney with the help of the Health Food Shoppe. In February, 2012, Amy decided to become independent, in part to have more control over the future of Downtown Deli and Marketplace.

Photo Courtesy of Downtown Improvement District

Located in the Cottage Flowers Building at 236 E. Wayne St., the cafe is a popular spot for the lunch crowd.  The friendly staff serve up hot entrees, soups and sandwiches. In addition to the full service deli, salad bar, and lunch items, they carry grocery items–including fresh produce! Many of the menu items are gluten-free, and/or vegetarian, which makes it a great place for those following such diets.

But that’s not all! Other perks of Downtown Deli and Marketplace include free parking, a customer loyalty program, the use of compostable plates and cups, and breakfast options during weekdays with a full brunch on Saturdays (that includes quiche and pancakes!)

Photo Courtesy of Downtown Improvement District

Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting. I love sitting en plein air, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown.

Hours are Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free lunch delivery to any location within the Downtown Improvement District is also available without any extra fees!

Follow their social media for daily menu options!