Now through Christmas Eve, you can view Indiana’s largest snow village, Holiday Houses for Habitat, located right here in Fort Wayne. This annual event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, which helps local families in need. The entire display is created from Department 56 snow villages, masterfully showcased on the 2nd level west of the food court inside Glenbrook Square Mall.

In addition to the holiday display, Habitat will offer gift wrapping Monday through Saturday from Noon to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6:00 p.m. You and your family will also enjoy live holiday performances Sundays at 2 p.m. featuring the Summit Middle School Band, 490 Live and Tuba Christmas.

The entire experience is available for a free-will donation. One hundred percent of proceeds collected from Holiday Houses go directly toward Habitat’s mission of improving housing solutions for families in Allen County. They anticipate over 10,000 people enjoying this year’s display. Don’t miss the unique holiday experience!

Here comes the sun! Catch some rays for a good cause at Sol Fest May 5-6.

Sol Fest is a two-day music festival at Fox Island County Park usually held the first weekend of May each year. It is a celebration of the Sun (solstice)! The event began as an anniversary celebration of 25 years of nature education at Fox Island County Park and State Nature Preserve and the return of the summer season.

So, what can you do at Sol Fest? Here are a few options:

• Music: Come sit in the sun and the grass and listen to some of the most talented artists in the area.
• Beer Garden: Provided by the Mad Anthony Brewing Company – Enjoy some great brews, made right here in Allen County!
• Kids Area: Open Noon to 5:00 PM both days- Planned  activities such as kids nature hikes, crafts, edible insects, animal demonstrations, and games.
• Hayrides: Hop on the hay wagon and travel to different areas of the park for different activities.
• Food: Enjoy some great food provided by local vendors and organizations.
• Visit many local not for profit and local vendors booths, learn what they have to offer as well as learn to be “green.”
• Demonstrations: Canoe, kayak and bike demonstrations
• Hiking: Take off on a hike throughout the 600 acres, 250 of which are dedicated State Nature Preserve. Climb a 40 foot high sand dune.
• Dig for fossils
• Visit the Nature Center and learn more their programs.
• Relax:  Take a break from the hustle and the bustle, forget how cold it was in January and February.

One of the neat things about Sol Fest is the fact it benefits children. Most of the proceeds for the festival are designated for scholarships for schools who can’t afford to visit Allen County Parks on field trips. It also helps send kids to day camps and provides environmental educational programming to organizations that assist disadvantaged kids.

Sol Fest also allows our naturalists to travel to schools, local organizations, community centers, youth centers and youth detention centers. The other portion of the proceeds go back into putting on next year’s festival.

Hours are noon to 7:00 pm both days. The Kids Area is open noon to 5:00 pm. Cost is $5 per person; kids 11 and under are free. For more information, visit the Allen County Parks’ website.

Taste the Science of Cocktails at Mixology 101

Science Central, one of Fort Wayne’s most beloved family destinations, is hosting its fourth annual fund-raising event on Friday, November 4.

This delectable event will unearth the science of drink creation in a unique and entertaining way!

Guests will enjoy an in-depth look at the physics, chemistry and biology behind a variety of spirits and cocktails, all while supporting the mission and operations of Science Central.

In addition, Mixology 101 will showcase the past, present and future of STEM (science, technology engineering and math) and the collective impact on northeast Indiana.

Winners of the Philo T. Farnsworth-ITT Innovation Award will be presented at this event as well.

Tickets are $60 for individuals, $100 for couples and $350 for groups of eight. To purchase tickets in advance, click here.