New Haven Indiana's annual Canal Days Festival provides plenty of family fun and entertainment, with a small city feel. This neighboring city to Fort Wayne packs a big punch when it comes to summer fun. Often described as a "front-porch" community, more than 14,000 people call New Haven home.  Canal Days 2012 runs from June 5 to 9.
 
 
Canal Days began in 1958 when a "Canal Boat" was brought to New Haven during the event. Throughout the years the festival has undergone many changes and adjustments, but has been held in the downtown area since 1987 and continues to draw crowds each year. The annual parade, and 5K race benefiting the New Haven High School Track program, are among the event highlights. Thoughout the event, enjoy traditional fair food, rides on the midway and an arts and crafts show.

Highlights from this year's schedule of events include:

Friday, June 1 Car Show

Tuesday, June 5 Army Invades Schnelker Park

Wednesday, June 6 Karaoke Night Teen Glow Dance

Thursday, June 7 Quilt Show Movie Night

Friday, June 8 Senior Picnic

Saturday, June 9 Parade Kids Day Cornhole Tournament

The midway and vendors are open daily. Visit Canal Days online for a full schedule of events and times. Registration forms for the "Wellness 4 Everyone" 5K race, held Saturday, June 9, are available here. For more information on Canal Days visit the event website and join the Canal Days group on Facebook. New Haven is located just east of Fort Wayne, only a 12 minute drive from downtown.