Smart Living Fort Wayne - July 27, 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

Taking Care of Your Concrete Floors

By Peggy Werner

Duration Concrete Coatings, by Duralast of Fort Wayne, can transform the look of your basement floor, garage floor and other outdoor concrete spaces while making them stronger, more durable and more resistant to the effects of weather, salt and sun. The business specializes in garage floor coverings, commercial concrete coatings, residential concrete coatings and chip color customization.

Dan Diven, residential manager, says homeowners use concrete coatings to repair old concrete or prevent damage to new concrete. The coatings are resistant to chemicals, UV exposure and heavy traffic. They are also maintenance free, easy to clean and protected by a lifetime warranty.

“Most people want to improve the look of their home, especially if they have made other improvements,” he says. “The concrete coating gives a nice, finished look that complements the home.”

“Our product is thicker and tougher and more durable than epoxy paint,” Diven continues. “Our product won’t be damaged by oil and grease, extreme temperatures, salt, heavy equipment and tools dropped on the floor.”

Epoxy paint has been commonly used in homes within the past 10 years, and was many people’s only option to cover concrete, Diven says. Though epoxy is still used today, it’s an outdated method, he adds.

Epoxy is water based, making it a thinner solution, and can turn color with exposure to sunlight. It’s pitted, and peels and cracks with repeated exposure to salt. However, Duration Concrete Coatings uses polyurea and acrylic coatings that are oil-based, thicker, and five times stronger than other products, Diven says.

The polyurea and acrylic coatings are applied in three steps.

First, pitting and other damage to existing concrete is smoothed out with a grinder. Then, a polyurea base coat is applied before topping that off with an acrylic paint in different colors (chips) and textures. A polyurea topcoat finishes the job.

With an extensive range of chip colors, homeowners can choose a shade that perfectly complements their interior design or outdoor space, whether they prefer a more natural look or want to make a bold statement, Diven adds.

Chip colors are not just about looking good – they can also help improve the functionality of the floor by providing texture to prevent slipping, mask dirt, add durability, and resist UV damage. Sand can be mixed into the topcoat to give even more texture and grip to surfaces when wet.

About 60 percent of the company’s business is garage floors, while the other 40 percent of homeowners want coatings on porches, patios, sidewalks, basements and pool areas.

For a free estimate, call (260) 231-0523. ❚

Duration Concrete Coatings uses advanced materials for concrete floors that improve both the look and the functionality of a space.

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.

Religion Gone Bad

Whenit’s good, it brings out the very best in people. But when religion goes amok, whether by bad leadership, doctrine or practice, its capacity to do harm is infinite.

Jesus Christ knew this. He chose to model servant leadership, something in stark contrast to the pious behavior of pharisees and other religious leaders of his day. He taught his disciples to lift people up rather than oppress them; to esteem others more highly than themselves and to exemplify right behavior without hypocrisy.

Pharisees are referenced 86 times in the gospels, and are nearly always in conflict with Jesus. He not only rebuked them for having wrong priorities and being hard-hearted, but sometimes accused them of doing Satan’s work.

In Matthew 23:23-25, Jesus said: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

Sadly, many people use bad religious leaders as an excuse to avoid God altogether, even though God is in no way responsible for the abuses made in His name. To do so is to focus on the weakness of man, rather than the perfection of God, and to miss out on the joy of His presence.

During his ministry, Jesus invited us into a way of life governed by love and grace, not burdensome oppression.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) he said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ❚

–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 information on our Summer Sale Event, see our ad on the back cover. ❚

Brockman Heating & Air Conditioning has served Northeast Indiana homeowners since 1957.

Get Your Teen Started With a Roth IRA

To be successful in most endeavors, it’s important to develop good habits — and that’s certainly the case for investors. And the earlier one develops these habits, the better. So, if you have teenagers who may be starting to work at parttime jobs, now may be a great time to introduce them to investing — and one place to begin might be a Roth IRA.

As you may know, a Roth IRA is a popular retirement savings vehicle — its earnings can grow federally tax-free, provided withdrawals aren’t taken until the investor is at least 59½ and has had the account five or more years. But because a Roth IRA is funded with aftertax dollars, contributions can be withdrawn at any time, penaltyfree, to pay for any expenses — including college. Roth IRA earnings can also be used to help pay for college, although these withdrawals will be taxable. However, if a child is the account owner, a lower tax bracket will likely apply.

In 2023, up to $6,500 per year can go into your teenager’s Roth IRA, as long as the amount contributed doesn’t exceed the amount of their taxable compensation for the year. And your child doesn’t have to put all the money in — you and the child’s grandparents can also contribute. In fact, you might want to “match” your child’s contributions up to the limit to provide an incentive for them to continue investing in the Roth IRA. Not only will your matching contribution help build the Roth IRA’s assets but it can also instill in your child’s mind the benefit of earning a match – which can prove valuable later on, when your child is in the workforce full time and has a chance to receive an employer’s matching contributions in a 401(k) or similar plan.

Your child may well find a job at a local restaurant or shop, as these businesses have experienced a shortage of workers the past couple of years. But if you have a family business, you can employ your teen to provide income that can go into a Roth IRA. Furthermore, if the business is one parent’s sole proprietorship, or it’s a partnership in which each partner is the parent, the payments for a child younger than 18 are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. As an employee, your child must perform reasonable tasks necessary for the business and be paid reasonable wages — that is, wages comparable to what you’d pay a regular employee for the same work.

But wherever your child’s wages come from, using some of

them to help fund a Roth IRA can be a good move. For one thing, it gives you a chance to explain the value of putting time on your side when you invest — simply put, the more years you invest, the greater your chances of accumulating the resources you need to meet your goals. And by helping your teen open a Roth IRA, which holds stocks, mutual funds or virtually any other type of security, you can discuss the different risk/reward characteristics of various types of investments — the kind of basic knowledge that all investors should have.

Once your teen’s first paychecks start coming in, consider bringing up the idea of opening a Roth IRA — you may well be opening the door to a lifetime of consistent and informed investing. ❚

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

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.

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.

“Something Rotten!”

July 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.

Monroeville Harvest Festival

Aug. 3-5. Three days of entertainment, food and fun, including a parade, beer tent, live music, demolition derby, family fun tent, food pavillion and power wheels derby. Monroeville Community Park, 421 Monroe St., Monroeville, facebook.com/monroevilleharvestfestival.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: Rock and Roar

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, 260427-6800, kidszoo.org.

ACD Festival Downtown Cruise-In

Sept. 1, 10 a.m. Hot rods, muscle cars, imports, and everything in between descend upon downtown Auburn at 100 Main St., (260) 925-3600, acdfestival.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.

Nearly 800 cars descend on downtown Auburn for the ACD Festival Cruise-In on Sept. 1.