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.

When my children were young, they dreaded the holiday traditions I thought they’d love. They hated sitting on Santa’s lap and they cried and screamed on Halloween more than the ghouls did. That’s why I’m glad that Fright Night in Fort Wayne on October 20th has plenty of kid-friendly events earlier in the day.

Take a stroll on the punkin path!

The Pumpkin Zone at the Botanical Conservatory opens at 10 am. There will be pumpkin putt-putt and other games as well as pumpkin crafts. You can get some great ideas from a pumpkin carver, and share the childhood memory of tasting pumpkin seeds with the kids. The outdoor Punkin’ Path is included in admission and is a great photo op! The path will be decorated with pumpkins, gourds, bales of straw—and gnomes! There’s another game for the family. Who can spot the most gnomes on the Punkin’ Path?

The Community Center at 233 W. Main Street opens at 2 pm for the Halloween Haunt. You can play Halloween cornhole, pumpkin bowling and Pick the Pumpkin. The whole family can participate in the skeleton scavenger hunt and watch the kid-friendly Halloween movie. The tweens and teens will love reading the tombstones in the graveyard out in front, and they can use a real coffin for a fun photo op. Admission to the Halloween Haunt is free!

Salomon Farm offers a shopper’s delight!

If you’re a shopper, find some time to stop in at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road, sometime between noon and 4 pm for the Handmade Homemade Sale. Farmers, bakers, woodworkers and a variety of hand crafters will be selling their homemade and home-grown goods in the Old Barn. You’ll find quality, unique items and the delicious flavors of the summer at this historic working farm and park.

Learn more about other great activities going on this spooktacular season!

What do you think of when you hear, “fall”?

I think of colorful leaves, pumpkins, and of course, Salomon Farm’s Fall Harvest Festival. Every year the Two-Cylinder Tractor Club co-sponsors this widely popular and FREE festival at Salomon Farm Park.

Along with the Maumee Valley Blacksmiths and the DeKalb County Horseman’s Association, the festival offers the public a look into the fall harvest traditions of the early 20th century. Children and adults alike can experience oat and wheat threshing with antique equipment, hand corn husking, blacksmithing, horse-drawn hay wagon rides, delicious food from a chuck wagon and much more.

And then there are the tractors… what is it about huge, old tractors that so enthrall children (and adults?)? It’s the tradition of an Indiana farm. The history. The nostalgia. Okay, so maybe that’s not what little kids are thinking when their eyes light up when they see those large, green (and red and blue) machines. But I believe it is the reason behind their excitement. And it is the basis of Salomon Farm Park – to invoke that sense of nostalgia and interest the public in Indiana farm traditions.

Fall Harvest Festival

Friday and Saturday, September 21 & 22, 10 am – 5 pm

Salmon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Autumn is just around the corner, bringing all the beautiful bounties of the harvest season. What better way to celebrate this time of year than with local fall festivals? The Salomon Fall Harvest Festival is a free, fun-filled weekend ideal for families. At this year’s festival, bring along the entire brood to learn about the history and culture of the American farm.

On Friday, families can visit with live animals, participate in corn husking and oat/wheat threshing demonstrations, enjoy hayrides and concessions, and see antique farm equipment displays.

Saturday’s events will include an antique tractor display and parade, a farmers market with local produce, authentic butter making, cow milking, and musical entertainment.

The Salomon Fall Harvest Festival is always a good time, with something for everyone to enjoy!

September 21 – 22, 10 am – 5 pm

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road, 260.427.6008

School starts soon, but there’s still time to squeeze in great events offered by the Summit City. Most are low cost, too! My top ten suggestions would include:
1. Painting Fun Spot — Paint & Take Art Studio
Indulge your creative side at this studio with more than 1,000 items to paint.! Could be a great family event or place for a birthday party.
10353 Illinois Road
260.616.0350
www.paintingfunspot.com
Note: Coupons are available in the Visit Fort Wayne office for 25% off item first time and out of town guests only. Expires 12/31/12

2. Tekventure Maker Station @ the Allen County Public Library
This is one of the most innovative things I’ve seen the library offer. Several sessions are available through the end of August. Many are free; others charge a fees of $25-$35 for materials.
These free sessions are schedules for August. Look up individual classes for locations:
Building an airplane in my garage
Mini-machining – threading
Eggbot: spherical digital graphics
Digital artist
Build Pneumatic rockets
For more information go to www.tekventure.org or call 260.421.1374. Advance registration required for all workshops due to limited space. Ages 12 to adult.

3. Salomon Farm Park Farmer’s Market (through September 26).
Yummy fresh produce right off the vine! This is a fun place to go to relax and get back to nature. Special note — on August 8 Alan Clayton will provide a demonstration and instruction in Tai Chi.

4. Visit to the Old Fort. Fort Miamis: 1754-1763
Saturday-Sunday, August 25-26. Beginning at 10 a.m. each day the French Marines and British Rangers will show visitors of the 21st century what life is like in the Fort during the 1700s. Talk to French fur traders, Native Americans, civilians, and soldiers. Free. Donations accepted.

Lakeside Park is known for its thousands of beautiful roses.

5. Early morning walk around Lakeside Park.
This is my favorite park. It’s quiet, peaceful and has plenty of space for walkers, bikers, or benches for book readers.

6. Historic walking tour of West Central Neighborhood.
August 16 at 10-11:30. Cost: $2.00
This section of Fort Wayne intrigues me each time I drive past. Now there’s an opportunity to see some of Allen County’s oldest homes, the city’s smallest park, and the home where Hollywood actress Carol Lombard once lived. Reservations required by August 14. call 427.6460.

7. Cheese-making workshop.
Location Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street.
You read that right. Learn how to turn milk into creamy cheeses like ricotta and chevre. Age 10-adult. Thursday, August 9 6:30-7:30. Register by August 2. Cost: $7.00.

8. Eat under the awning at Cindy’s Diner.
You may have to watch the weather stations for the right temps, but it will be worth it to observe Fort Wayne from one of its most popular corners.

9. Spike and the Bulldogs concert at Foellinger Theatre. Saturday, August 11 at 8:00 p.m. $5.00 per ticket.
A terrific band playing hits from 1955-1965. Do yourself a favor and go to see them. You’ll have loads of fun!

10. Last but not least – Memories of the King. Saturday, August 25, 8:00 p.m. $5.00
Brent Cooper is the top of Elvis look-alikes and singers. Be sure to see him. You’ll think Elvis is in the house!