Smart Living Fort Wayne - July 13, 2023

Happiness at Home

Recently, I hired a professional to come out and organize my entire house.

I swore I would never do that — it seemed like such a frivolous expense when hypothetically I could just do it all myself. But I have to say, now that it’s done, I don’t regret a thing.

Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant with baby No. 2 and already in nesting mode, or maybe it’s because I finally just snapped. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t stand looking at the messy drawers, unorganized closets, and constant overflow of items anymore. It became too overwhelming to deal with on my own, so, I delegated.

And you know what? It was the Best. Decision. Ever.

While I certainly could have gone through all my closets, cabinets and drawers by myself, the results wouldn’t have been the same. I wouldn’t have known to put new shelving within my kitchen cabinets, which “magically” created more space. I’m not fluent in the vast variety of drawer organizers that exist, which strategically fit way more than you’d think. My entire pantry is in a different spot now… that’s how intense it got. But everything looks great, and it all makes so much more sense.

Plus, it felt good to purge our house of items we hardly ever wear or use. I haven’t missed a single item that we got rid of, and I know we donated it all to people who might actually want it.

The point of this magazine is to help you, the readers, to live smarter. I have to say, from this specific personal experience, I know my life is vastly improved because I finally gave in and let a local business help me out. I feel at peace now when I’m at home.

So, I encourage you all to ask yourselves, what could you outsource to make your life easier/better? What about your home do you want to fix?

I’m telling you, if you’re on the fence, just bite the bullet and delegate to a local professional. Your happiness at home is more than worth it. ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Van’s Home Center Celebrates 50 Years

By Peggy Werner

Van’s Home Center, just off of I-69 and State Road 8 at 106 Peckhart Ct., in Auburn, Ind. is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. The company’s focus on providing quality products at affordable prices, along with excellent customer service, has paved the way for the growing business to evolve into a one-stop-shop for everything needed to furnish a home.

“We have people shopping with us who shopped with Van and Mary Lou when the store first opened,” says Brittany Brouer, marketing director. “Many people remember the original store in Angola and share their memories with us. Customer service is at the core of our business and something we are very proud of. We have a lot of repeat customers because they can get everything in one location.”

Through the years, the business has grown to include furniture, appliances, mattresses, flooring, cabinets, countertops, carpeting and tile.

Van’s is unique in that it services everything it sells, has its own delivery and installation teams, and offers customers extended warranties on all products, Brouer says. The staff is professionally trained and knowledgeable about the products.

“When it comes to doing business with us, there are no third parties. Everything happens under our own roof,” Brouer adds.

Over the last several years, Van’s has undergone a handful of remodels and expansions, including adding a new mattress gallery, expanding the furniture showroom, adding a flooring and tile showroom, adding a dedicated scratch-and-dent showroom, and adding a “live” kitchen showroom where all appliances are plugged in and working so customers can see the various features.

Van’s currently maintains three warehouses, with a fourth one soon to start construction. The staff can help customers who have a variety of needs, desires and/or budgets, whether they just want a new sofa or are undertaking a remodel or starting new construction.

Van’s also works directly with dozens of area home builders, providing clients with everything from appliances to furniture and flooring.

Through the years, Brouer has observed how customers have changed by not wanting to waste time.

“Most customers today don’t want the hassle of shopping around – they want their home projects to be as easy and as painless as possible,” she says. “Because of the internet, they have done their research, and they have a better understanding of what they want.”

At the same time, they expect to be listened to, cared for, and valued.

“We have given our community the option of shopping at a locally owned family business with a great selection and competitive prices,” Brouer adds. “Our customers get a personalized shopping experience with us. Hopefully, when they need something for the home, they think of Van’s. Today, everything is so automated – people enjoy the personal touch of a local business. They like knowing they are a valued customer and not just another transaction.”

And for those who don’t have time to shop in person, everything can be purchased online at vanshomecenter.com.

“Looking toward the future, we just want to make sure we are fulfilling customers’ needs as we always have done,” Brouer says. “Everything we do is the result of giving customers a trusted local destination for everything for the home.

“We are grateful to be able to maintain a business for 50 years, and that’s only because people trust us,” Brouer adds. ❚

Van’s Home Center, in Auburn, is celebrating 50 years of serving customers this fall. Over the years, the business has become a one-stop shop for everything needed to furnish a home.

Talk Finances With Your Grown Children

Whenyou’re retired, you’ll likely have some financial concerns — just like all retirees. However, if you’ve invested regularly and followed a longterm financial strategy, you should be able to address most issues that come your way. But there’s one important action that’s sometimes overlooked by retirees: sharing their financial situation with their grown children. And this knowledge can benefit everyone in your family.

You might be surprised by the concern your children have for your financial well-being. Consider these findings from a 2023 study by Age Wave and Edward Jones:

• 66% of millennials (generally defined as ranging from 27 to 42) worry that their parents or in-laws may not have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

• 83% of millennials would rather know their parents are financially secure in their retirement, even if it means their parents pass on less money to them.

If you have children in this age range or older, or who soon will be, how can you address their concerns and potentially improve your financial outlook? Communication is the key. By openly communicating with your family about your financial status, you can reduce anxieties and misperceptions. If you’re in good financial shape, your adult children may be reassured that you won’t be needing their assistance. And if you are feeling some financial pressures, you can inform your children of the steps you are taking to improve your situation.

One such step may be to reduce your cost of living — the less you spend day to day, the better your ability to preserve your investment and retirement accounts. You may be able to reduce costs in many small ways, such as ending streaming services you no longer use, but you could make an even bigger impact by downsizing your living arrangements. In fact, 72% of today’s retirees have downsized or are willing to downsize to reduce their housing costs, according to the Age Wave/Edward Jones survey. Downsizing isn’t for everyone, but if it’s a possibility for you, it may be worth considering because the savings could be significant.

You may also be able to reduce or consolidate your debts. Start by understanding how much and what kinds of debt you have. Then, consider ways to lower your payments, such as refinancing. For example, if you’re carrying a balance on multiple credit cards, you might be able to transfer the amounts you owe onto a single card with a more favorable interest rate.

Here’s another move to consider: Adjust your investment

mix to possibly provide you with more income in retirement. During your working years, you may have invested primarily for growth — after all, you could be retired for two or more decades, so you’ll need to draw on as many financial assets as possible. But once you’re retired, your investment focus may need to shift somewhat toward income-producing opportunities. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need some growth potential to help keep ahead of inflation.

One final suggestion: Let your children know if you already have a strategy in place to meet the potentially high costs of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay. This burden is certainly something you won’t want your children to take on. By informing your children about your financial picture, and how you’re trying to improve it, you can ease everyone’s minds — so keep the lines of communication open. ❚

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington D.C. through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.

Pamela S. Covington, CFP® RICP® AAMS®

Financial Advisor

6525 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (260) 478-8038

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ pam-covington

The Difference

Even those who love scripture and believe in the power of prayer sometimes find it challenging to make time for a rich and consistent prayer life. Yet prayer is the engine of a Christian’s spiritual life, the linchpin of a relationship with God.

When we fail to take time for prayer, it’s often because we’re in an “I can do it by myself!” mode of thinking, not unlike a stubborn 2-year-old. But life isn’t meant to be lived without a consistent prayerful relationship with God.

The gospels are full of examples of Jesus taking time to pray, both in short and long sessions, sometimes with others, sometimes alone. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed,” we read in Luke 5:16. Note the word “often.” He made his relationship with God top priority and taught followers to do likewise.

Jesus emphasized the importance of being persistent and bold in our requests to God. In Luke 11:9 we read, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

But prayer isn’t only about asking for things. It’s also a time of expressing our thankfulness and praise to God.

There’s an old poem, most often attributed to Grace L. Naessens, which beautifully sums up the matter:

The Difference

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task, “Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered. He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock; God gently and lovingly chided, “My child you didn’t knock.” I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Janine Pumilia

‘The Confession’ Captivates Audiences

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Thissummer, The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center at 175 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, welcomes guests to “The Confession,” a brilliant love story and a keep-you-at-the-edgeof-your-seat mystery all wrapped into one entertaining musical.

“It’s a wonderful story that has been infused with great comedy and wonderful music,” says Andy Rohrer, vice president of sales and marketing at Blue Gate. “People who like musicals, and even ones who don’t like musicals, love this one.”

Based on a “New York Times” bestselling book, the script for “The Confession” was adapted for the stage by Martha Bolton, who made her career as the head writer for Bob Hope.

“So, the comedy is truly wonderful,” Rohrer says. “Add in Blue Gate Musical’s amazing Nashville-based musicians, composers and production designers and you have a world-class show.”

Last year, the show was filmed for a live Fathom Movie event and broadcast nationwide. Its wholesome and uplifting plot

resonates with a wide range of audience members.

“While the show deals with difficult situations and relationships, it doesn’t stoop to crude language or try to make audience members uncomfortable – real life is filled with plenty of drama and surprises without coercing it,” Rohrer says.

He hopes audience members leave the show feeling uplifted. Since the first run of “The Confession” in 2012, the show has

Every year, audiences flock to see “The Confession” at The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, in Shipshewana.

“The Confession” is based on a “New York Times” bestselling book.

consistently elicited countless words of affirmation for its positive story and message.

Beyond this, the topic of adoption is a strong theme, and the show often can help guests on both sides of these relationships understand and process the myriad of emotions, Rohrer adds.

“And, of course, ultimately we hope that everyone is entertained, whether they leave laughing or humming a tune,” he says.

The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center is part of the larger Blue Gate complex, encompassing a hotel, restaurant, and shopping options in addition to its state-of-the-art theatre. Located in the heart of Amish country, guests are oftentimes looking for ways to understand and see the local culture in a “behind the scenes” sort of way, Rohrer adds. And, while “The Confession”

is fictional, many authentic elements in the show can help guests understand the local Amish community.

“Great stories are great for everyone – it doesn’t matter where you live, how you were raised, or what culture you come from,” Rohrer says. “Locals will be amazed that this show is right down the street, and visitors will be happy they discovered it.”

For those who wish for a full getaway experience, Shipshewana is full of places and activities to enjoy both before and after the show. For starters, there’s dining at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, shopping at the downtown shops, or visiting the local Flea Market. If guests have more time, Rohrer recommends visiting the Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite History Museum and taking a ride on the Pumkinvine bike trail. For those wishing to spend the night, the Blue Gate Garden Inn is conveniently located right next to the Performing Arts Center.

“And, of course, the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center is a wonderful venue to see any show,” Rohrer adds. “The state-of-the-art lights and sound make each performance come alive.”

The cast of “The Confession” comes from all over the country, and one of the top compliments Rohrer hears from guests is how wonderful the cast members are.

“We work hard to find the best talent we can, and our guests notice,” he says.

The show runs almost every day from now until Aug. 18. A full list of dates and times is available at thebluegate.com. Tickets are $38.95 and be reserved online or by calling (260) 768-4725. ❚

Cast members in “The Confession” come from all across the country and are hailed for their high-caliber talent and skills. Shows run almost daily until Aug. 18 and tickets cost $38.95.

Besides being an entertaining musical, “The Confession” helps audiences to understand elements of the local Amish community. It also handles the topic of adoption, which can help viewers to understand that process more authentically.

The Perfect Getaway That’s Close to Home

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Nowthat it’s vacation season, visitors and locals alike are converging to enjoy all that Steuben County has to offer.

“With 101 lakes, Pokagon State Park, nature preserves, beautiful downtowns, great restaurants, beaches, historic train rides and a buffalo preserve, Steuben County is the perfect getaway that’s close to home,” says Janet Hartsuff, Steuben County Tourism Bureau communications/marketing manager, 430 N. Wayne St., Ste. 1B, Angola. “The lakefront Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park has been a family-favorite for multiple generations. We have an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as unique shopping and festivals.”

Outdoor enthusiasts have ample opportunities to enjoy the natural lakes in the area, the most popular of which are Lake James, Hamilton Lake and Crooked Lake, says June Julien, executive director of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau.

“Nearly a million campers visit annually at 918,200 people,” she says. “The largest campgrounds are Jellystone and KOA Angola. Our magnet attraction is Pokagon State Park with 750,000 visitors annually.”

Potawatomi Inn & Cabins, nestled in the 1,260-acre Pokagon State Park, is a historic destination featuring 126 guest rooms and 12 cabins that sit on the shore of Lake James. The inn boasts a spacious banquet and conference center, two onsite restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and sauna, a game room, multiple cozy fireplaces throughout, and family-friendly activities year-round. Meanwhile, Pokagon State Park features miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing at a nature center.

In addition to enjoying the natural landscape, visitors can take advantage of the surrounding area for its bountiful restaurants, wineries, breweries and shopping opportunities.

“The restaurants with the most visits annually are Acapulco, on Lake James, and Timbers in Angola,” Julien says. The restaurants offer Mexican fare, and steak and seafood, respectively.

For multiple hours of excellent shopping, The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont, 6245 N. Old 27 Fremont, offer both locally owned shops and popular chain stores all in one location.

“The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 80/90 and Interstate 69 near Pokagon State Park,” says Heather Crum, senior property accountant/administrative assistant at The Shoppes at Fremont. “I believe all employees are very welcoming to shoppers – they inform them of sales and offer support while shopping. The center also offers free WI-FI and free use of strollers and wheelchairs.”

The convenient location, affordable prices and wide selection of shops keep the center bustling with visitors, Crum adds. She recommends budgeting about 2-3 hours to explore all the shops.

A few particularly unique locations include Petshion, a pet

boutique store that carries eco-friendly toys made in the USA, The Pickle Factory, which offers many varieties of pickles and other items, and Amanda Lee Coffee Shop, with coffee, refreshers, bubble tea, smoothies and a small clothing boutique line.

National stores where you’re likely to find sales include Coach, Under Armour, Carter’s, Bath & Body Works, Levi’s, Maurice’s, American Eagle, Famous Footwear, Jockey and more.

“Petshion has been locally owned and operated since 2012 from Fort Wayne, and last year, we decided to open our second location to share great products for the fur babies in Fremont,” says Kee Kim, owner of Petshion. “We carry plenty of dog chew toys, natural and holistic dog and cat treats, a plethora of fashionable dog clothes and accessories, as well as grooming products to make your dog smell fresh and clean.”

Petshion also operates a Doggie Bakery featuring biscuits dipped in yogurt in fun shapes. Items in the shop accommodate pets of all sizes, from small Yorkies to big Great Danes.

Another must-visit Fremont shop is The Pickle Factory, offering many varieties of Sechler’s Pickles and pickled items. You can also find hot sauces, grill/BBQ sauces and seasonings, jams, fruit butters, salsa, mustards, dip mixes, popcorn and seasonings, as well as flavored teas and coffees. In addition to pickles and gourmet foods, there’s also lake-themed items, funny signs, and inventive kitchen and grilling accessories.

“The Pickle Factory is such a unique store – there are not too many shops that you would find quite like it,” says Sarah Johnson, store manager. “Many of the products we carry are not readily available at your local grocery store. It’s a store where you can always find something you never knew you needed or wanted.”

Almost all items at The Pickle Factory are made locally in Indiana. The pickles are made in St. Joe, the Essenhaus noodles are from Middlebury, jams and jellies are from Shipshewana, popcorn and seasonings are from Berne, salsa and butters are from Bremen, and canned meats are from Grabill.

The Shoppes at Fremont are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 pm., and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit theshopsatfremont.com for more information. ❚

With 101 lakes, abundant shopping, great restaurants and more, Steuben County makes for a fun summer vacation or getaway.

Do You Have Fresh Air in Your Home?

By Peggy Werner

How comfortable and healthy you feel at home has a lot to do with the air you breathe.

“Without conditioned clean air, our world would be very different,” says Ben Sherman, coowner with his brother, Jake, of Brockman Heating & Air Conditioning, 3750 N. Wells St. “We wouldn’t have the quality of life we take for granted.”

Reaching optimum air quality has everything to do with quality equipment, regular maintenance, fresh air, humidity regulation, and well-trained professionals who can make sure all equipment is installed properly and working correctly.

Brockman’s specializes in the design, engineering, and installation of heating and air conditioning systems and water heaters. They also carry a full line of indoor air quality systems, such as humidifiers and air cleaners, and service all major brands of gas, propane, and oil furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, duct-less systems and water heaters.

The Brockman staff is fully licensed and insured. The technicians follow the best practices in terms of safety and professional conduct on every job. The staff has weekly training sessions to stay current on all the latest trends, industry updates, and customer care, Sherman says.

Some problems with heating and air conditioning are obvious to homeowners, especially if the equipment shuts down or utility bills sharply increase.

However, other problems having to do with efficient operation are not so obvious.

“A unit can be performing inefficiently or have a dangerous problem and still keep a house comfortable. You’re dealing with products that use high-voltage electricity, explosive gases, and poisonous gases, so the unit has to be installed correctly and regularly checked and maintained,” Sherman says.

The newer smart thermostats can let homeowners know if there is a system problem, but other types of thermostats don’t have that capability.

Sherman recommends an annual cleaning and maintenance checkup for furnaces and air conditioners. Brockman’s can put customers on a plan to keep track of warranties, perform the required maintenance, ensure safe operation, and send maintenance reminders.

Every manufacturer’s warranty requires maintenance, he adds.

“When a Brockman technician comes to a home, that person has been extensively trained and is professionally certified, working with the top manufacturers in the industry to deliver the best equipment and services,” Sherman adds.

Still, homeowners can also be vigilant. One of the best things a homeowner can do is change the furnace filter regularly. Upgrading to a better filtration system is a great place to start improving one’s indoor air quality because it filters out more particles and keeps a home and the furnace cleaner. Some furnaces are built with a small slot for a one-inch filter to keep costs down when purchasing a unit, but it’s inefficient in the long run, Sherman says. Too much or too little humidity can cause problems for people, furniture, and woodwork in a home. In the winter, humidity levels should be around 30 percent, and in the summer, below 50 percent.

It’s important to bring fresh air into the home, whether by opening windows or by using an automatic fresh air ventilation system when temperatures are too extreme. A good fresh air system will filter the air of particles and pollutants before bringing air into the home.

“Fresh air is the most overlooked way to create a healthy indoors,” Sherman says. “Newer homes, especially, are often airtight and can create an unhealthy environment.”

For more information or to schedule a service appointment, call (260) 423-4331. ❚

Elevate Meals With an Iconic Crunch

As families and friends gather on patios and decks to enjoy the warmth of summer and meals fresh off the grill, many are searching for that perfect ingredient that can complement salads, appetizers, main courses, desserts and more.

This year, you can turn to pecans to elevate meals and give your guests something to rave about. Iconic for their flavor versatility – shining in a wide range of profiles from sweet and spicy to salty, smoky and savory – they’re a tasty addition for favorite summertime recipes.

To find more recipes that take summer entertaining to the next level, visit EatPecans.com.

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

4 boneless pork loin chops (each 1-inch thick)

3/4 teaspoon, plus 1/8 teaspoon, kosher salt, divided freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 medium peaches, diced

2/3 cup raw pecan pieces

2 tablespoons red onion, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1 teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper

2 teaspoons lime juice

Season pork chops with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper, to taste. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pork chops until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5-6 minutes until food thermometer inserted in center registers 135 F. Transfer to plate and rest at least 5 minutes until internal temperature rises to 145-160 F. Gently stir peaches, pecans, onion, basil, jalapeno, lime juice and remaining salt. Add salsa on top of each pork chop with remaining salsa on side.

Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Spiced Pecans:

1 large egg white

3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups pecan halves

Salad:

1/4 cup, plus 2 teaspoons, extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil, divided

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt pepper, to taste

2 large peaches, halved and pits removed

6 cups mixed baby greens (such as arugula, spring mix and spinach)

4 ounces soft goat cheese

To make spiced pecans: Preheat oven to 275 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In medium bowl, whisk egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt until well combined. Fold in pecans and mix until evenly coated in mixture. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

To make salad: Heat grill to medium-high heat. In small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Brush cut sides of peach halves with remaining olive oil and grill until grill lines appear and peaches become tender, 3-5 minutes. Remove peaches and cut into slices. Divide greens among four plates. Top with grilled peach slices and goat cheese. Divide 1 cup spiced pecans evenly among salads and reserve remaining cup for snacking. Drizzle each salad with vinaigrette. ❚

Source: Family Features

Entertainment & Events

Smooth Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., enjoy the best in soft rock and classic hits with rotating artists. Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (574) 344-0566, clydetheatre.com.

Nashville Thursdays

Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music 7-10 p.m. in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.

Downtown Live!

Thru Sept. 1, Fridays 6-8 p.m. Experience live music from talented local performers, and dine or shop at the many surrounding local businesses. Street parking is free after 5:00 p.m. 800 block of Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, downtownfortwayne.com/events/dtfw-live/.

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Thru Sept. 3. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and spectacles including fireworks on select nights, bring-yourpet games and discounted food nights. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fortwayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne.

Shipshewana Flea Market

Thru Sept. 27, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Browse more than 700 booths, a farmers market, a plant and garden section and numerous food options. Shipshewana Flea Market Grounds, 345 S. Van Buren St. Shipshewana, visitshipshewana.org.

YLNI Summer Farmers Market

Thru Oct. 28, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables,

hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more at the former Wayne Candy Factory building, 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket/.

Ghost Tour

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 4-6 p.m. Explore a gorgeous building in a 2-hour guided tour listening to ghost stories all along the way. The Bell Mansion, 420 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, (260) 417-1794, thebellmansion.com.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A 4-strike pinball tournament for kids present-

ed by one of the world’s largest pinball arcades. Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, 14613 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 760-6314, fortwaynepinball.com.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: Rock and Roar

July 13, 27, & Aug. 10, 6-9 p.m. An adult-only summer music series. Grab a craft beverage and stroll portions of the zoo. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, 260-427-6800, kidszoo.org.

St. Joe Pickle Festival

July 13-15, 4-9 p.m. Three days of fun including a pickle derby, pickle ice cream, live entertainment and free activities for kids. St. Joe Pickle Festival, 6127 IN-1, St. Joe, (260) 3375581, facebook.com/stjoepicklefest.

Fort Wayne Pride Fest

July 21-22, 4-9 p.m. Live entertainment, vendors, a beer tent, food, workshops, tournaments/trivia and a KidSpace. The Pride March takes place Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, fwpride.org.

Something Rotten!

July 21-23 & 28-30. A history-twisting tale featuring large song-and-dance numbers and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters. Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwcivic.org/somethingrotten.

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Concert Series

July 28, 7 p.m. A performance from the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. Foellinger Outdoor Theater, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, fortwayneparks.org. ❚

The Fort Wayne TinCaps play all summer at Parkview Field. Special events include bring-your-pet nights, discounted food nights, and fireworks on select nights.

More than 700 booths and numerous food options are located at the Shipshewana Flea Market.

Smart Living Fort Wayne