Posted Under "Three Rivers Festival"

This post is part of our Three Rivers Festival feature series.
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It is one of my ambitions in life to be a sophisticated world traveler. I want touch every ocean, sea, river, mountain, lake, forest and continent that I possibly can—except Antarctica. (I’m not too big on frigid weather conditions.) However, with college bills and rent looming on a monthly basis, my current plans to lead a nomadic lifestyle have been put on hold.

Fortunately for me and other local would-be wanderers, Fort Wayne is built from a wide variety of people and ethnicities from the four hemispheres, and this diversity will be celebrated at International Village on July 15 and 16 during Three Rivers Festival.

The beauty of different cultures is evident at the Three Rivers Festival International Village.

For two days, Headwaters Park West will be bursting at the seams with traditional foods, dancing, music, storytelling and artwork from all over the world. International Village provides visitors with an opportunity to meet neighbors while experiencing, learning about and celebrating peoples and cultures from around the globe that are present within the city’s community.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle to catch customary dancing from Asian and African cultures, or taste authentic tamales from Latin America. Admission to International Village is free, so don’t miss your chance to experience a little piece of the world’s many cultures right here in Fort Wayne!

This post is part of our Three Rivers Festival feature series.
Click here to view all Three Rivers Festival posts.

Nothing says Three Rivers Festival time like Junk Food Alley! Junk Food Alley is located at Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne, right next to the pavilion. And if all else fails, just let your nose lead the way!

Everyone has a favorite at Junk Food Alley!

Open daily from 11 am – 11 pm, you can satisfy your hunger or those nagging cravings anytime. In my honest opinion, no one can do Junk Food Alley like Fort Wayne.  You will see the ‘normal’ crowd pleasers like elephant ears, lemon shakeups and fried tenderloins. The list doesn’t end there (and just to get your mouth watering a little more) why not try a deep fried candy bar, Twinkie or cookie dough.  And new this year (drum roll please) red velvet funnel cake. Mmmmm.

If you are looking to have lunch with a friend or to take the whole family downtown for dinner, don’t worry, there is more than just desserts at Junk Food Alley. You can enjoy turkey legs, spiral spuds (one of my personal favorites), corn on the cob, gyros and donut burgers. What’s a donut burger? Just like it sounds – a burger patty between two glazed donuts – you can add lettuce and other veggies if you want, but why try to be healthy now?

This post is part of our Three Rivers Festival feature series.
Click here to view all Three Rivers Festival posts.

No child should go through a summer deprived of amusement rides, live entertainment, games, prizes and a costumed character parade. No need to call the travel agent, you can find all this and more at the Three Rivers Festival’s 42^nd annual Children’s Fest.

Children's Fest offers hands on creativity!

This event is one of the festival’s original assets, and just as Three Rivers has evolved and changed to become bigger and better since its start in 1969, Children’s Fest has changed to offer more fun and educational activities for your kids than ever before!

Kids can meet all their favorite Fort Wayne character and mascots from the Komets, Mad Ants and TinCaps – they’re all hanging out at Children’s Fest! The kiddos can also have souvenirs to take home when they create and participate in some of the hands-on craft activities. And let’s face it, children like to get decorated too, so make sure to stop by a booth for face-painting fun.

Kids will enjoy the free amusement rides!

Children’s Fest is a two-day event, running from July 15-16 at the IPFW Campus. There is free admission for adults and children, and this includes free access to amusement rides.

Don’t miss a chance to make long-lasting family memories (that won’t break the bank) at Children’s Fest!

This post is part of our Three Rivers Festival feature series.
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Dearly Departed:  The History Center, ARCH and Lindenwood Cemetery

Monday, July 11, 2011
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Lindenwood Cemetery
2324 W. Main Street
260-426-5117
www.archfw.org

Entrance to Lindenwood Cemetery, National Register of Historic Places

Now this is what I call a unique event! After a wildly successful inaugural year, Dearly Departed is back with new activities and tales to tell. I happen to have a passion for cemeteries. I think they’re peaceful, beautiful and storied memorials to friends and family. Here, in the heart of Fort Wayne, we are fortunate to have a gorgeous and historically significant cemetery for visitors and residents to appreciate. Lindenwood Cemetery is 175 acres of history and nature’s beauty. At 151 years old, it also boasts bragging rights of being on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a lot more than a nature walk so get ready to be fascinated!

Upon entry to this FREE event (did I mention that it’s free??), you will receive a special map of the cemetery. From that point, you’re free (did I say free again?) to explore the sites at your own pace and in any order you wish. This is especially convenient if you decide to make it a family outing. Interpreters will be strategically placed throughout Lindenwood to share stories of the many famous and infamous characters buried there. You can expect to “meet” everyone from former Mayor Robert Robertson to Homer Van Meter, a well-known gangster and criminal associate of John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson. You can also take part in a scavenger hunt this year. What a fun way to explore this beautiful Fort Wayne landmark and learn a bit of history while you’re at it!

Lindenwood Cemetery

Extend your weekend getaway and join the History Center, ARCH and Lindenwood Cemetery for Dearly Departed. It’s family friendly, centrally located, informative, fun and FREE! What a fabulous way to spend an evening in Fort Wayne, Indiana!

This post is part of our Three Rivers Festival feature series.
Click here to view all Three Rivers Festival posts.

Nothing says summer like the sound of splashing water, which is why “The Sights and Sounds of Summer” theme for this year’s Three Rivers Festival fits the RiverGames competitions so perfectly.

Fort Wayne’s three rivers will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on July 10 as participants pull focus to the water with three separate events during RiverGames.

Kicking off the afternoon will be “The Great Canoe Race” in which participants will battle from the Wells Street Bridge to the Spy Run Bridge and back. Those who may not be up to snuff with the speed rowers can still amass a prize for the best decorated canoe, the ugliest canoe and the best costume or theme.

Participants of “Summit City Soaker” will have to weave their way through a course that runs between the Wells Street and Harrison Street Bridges. Competitors must retrieve flags as they are forces to dodge drizzling obstacles—giant cascades of water, for instance—to receive the top prize for this race.

“Water Wars” will close out the festivities as it pits three-person teams against each other in water-balloon combat. Trios have four minutes to attempt to hit other teams stationed on the opposite bank of the river as many times as possible using 20 water balloons and a launcher.

Those wishing to participate in the competitions can register starting at 10 a.m. Sunday morning of the event, and Paddle Class will be available during sign-ups for anyone hoping for a last-minute, fine tuning of their boat skills.