Nowadays, it seems like our tech gadgets are the central focus of our busy lives. Phone calls, emails, texting, social media networking, TV, music… the list goes on and on. In an age where we seem to be losing the focus of family and real relationships, it’s nice to take a “tech break” and enjoy some wholesome family fun—especially around the holidays.

So turn off the devices and spend a traditional Christmas celebration on the farm at Salomon Farm Park!

On Saturday, December 1, Salomon Farm Park offers Christmas on the Farm from 6 to 9 pm. Salomon Farm is a wonderful place to take your family and see how life is lived in a rural setting any time of year. But with Christmas on the Farm, it becomes even more magical. At this celebration you’ll enjoy a live nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus, authentic horse- and tractor-drawn wagon rides, as well as cherished stories from St. Nicholas and yummy refreshments.

There’s honestly nothing better than seeing your children spend time together doing things outdoors, totally unplugged, and actually having a good time! Enjoy the holidays together, and be sure to drive up to Christmas on the Farm. It will definitely become an annual holiday tradition.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit them online.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

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Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.
~Norman Wesley Brooks

Saturday, December 8, 9-10

Cost: $11

Call 427-6440

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Sunday, December 16, 8:30 and 10:30 am

Cost: $15 children; $10 adults

Call 427-6800

Bob Evans at Jefferson Pointe

Saturday, December 8, 8 – 11 am

Cost: $price of meal

Call 432-5545

Let us know if you know of any other sightings, and make plans today to get in one more wish with the Big Guy!

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“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!”

This magical phrase, uttered by one of the sweetest and most recognizable voices in American cinema, holds a special place in the hearts of many. From the 1946 film by Frank Capra, First Presbyterian Theater presents It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Thom Hofrichter.

Enjoy this classic together.

The stage performance of this holiday classic film tells the touching story of George Bailey, whose troubles have led up to his imminent suicide at Christmas. When the angels in Heaven hear the prayers from his loved ones, one angel in particular is assigned to help George. Guardian angel Clarence shows how many lives have been affected by George and how different they would be without his sacrifices. It is when Clarence earns his wings (and when little Zuzu delivers her famous line) that George truly understands how blessed he is and what a wonderful life it is.

It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without It’s a Wonderful Life. First Presbyterian Theater is running the show for the following dates:

November 29 and 30

December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

Ticket prices are as follows:

• General      Admission: $20 pre-sale ($24 at the door)
• Patrons      65 and older: $18 pre-sale ($22 at the door)
• Full-time students (any age): Free with reservation to most shows (30 tickets each performance—please call or email the Box Office.) $10 at the door.
• Thursday night preview performances are $10.
• $15 tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. Please contact the Box Office at 260-422-6329 for further details or learn more online.

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Holly Trolley Shopping returns this year to kick-off the official start to the holiday shopping season in Fort Wayne, Indiana and will include a handful of returning participants, along with a new feature — “pop-up” shops!

More than 20 local shops will be open specifically for this event, all concentrated in the downtown area, making this event quick and easy to attend. Simply park near your favorite downtown attraction or shop and ride the trolley between stops. The event and trolley service runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 24. You can also visit the shops on your own. The trolley ride is not required but a fun option at this event! The trolley ride is free and will leave you within one block of each open business.

Several businesses and vacant areas will host special “pop-up” retail galleries at this year’s event. There will also be a “pop-up” holiday market at the Arts United Center. This market will feature farmer’s market vendors. local artists and entertainment. Other planned “pop-up” vendors include 127 W. Wayne St., and Artlink.

Shop local this holiday season on the Holly Trolley Shopping Tour! For the full list of participating Holly Trolley stops click here. There is also a map available for you to download and use.

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The Festival of Trees is returning to Fort Wayne this year and will be here for a total of seven days — November 21 through November 28, 2012.

The Festival of Trees is held at the Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel — the lobbies of each will be filled with 55 beautifully decorated designer Christmas trees that you will not want to miss out on seeing.

The festival was originally founded in 1984 and is a fundraising and community goodwill event that supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation, Inc.

This year, there will be multiple events going on during the festival. They are as follows:

• Night of Lights: November 21, 2012 from 6-9PM
• Festival of Trees: November 22, 2012 from 4-8PM
• Festival of Trees: November 23-25, 2012 from 12-8PM
• Breakfast with Santa: November 23 and 24, 2012 from 9:30-11AM
• Kingston Healthcare Senior Day: November 26, 2012 from 9AM-1PM
• Festival of Trees: November 27, 2012 from 9AM-1PM
• Kids Day at Festival of Trees: November 28, 2012 from 9AM-1PM

Tickets for the Festival of Trees cost $7.00 for each adult and $3.00 for each child under 12. You can purchase tickets at the Embassy box office, all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com and all MidWest America FCU locations. Breakfast with Santa tickets cost $12.50 and are on sale at the Embassy box office — you can also call 250-424-5665.

Breakfast with Santa Tickets: $12.50. On sale now at the Embassy box office or by calling 250.424.5665.

The Embassy Theatre is located at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd in Fort Wayne.

Come join us for this wonderful holiday tradition and be mesmerized by the wonderland of decorated Christmas trees with your family! See you there, and don’t forget your camera!

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