Smart Living Fort Wayne - May 18, 2023

Do it! Delegate!

Well. I did it.

I finally hired an interior designer!

My husband and I moved into our home almost two years ago now. I was pregnant with our son, Elliot, at the time.

I had all of these big ambitions to decorate our new home with upgraded furniture and maybe even put up a wall to create a new bedroom (which our realtor and house inspector both insisted could be done). But none of that happened.

Instead, I had a baby five weeks early, and these household projects never became a priority. Almost two years later, they still aren’t. Between work and being a mom, I just don’t care to make time for these things.

But guess what? There are actual professionals who are SO much more talented than I am at seeing the potential of our space. Our living room naturally has two focal points, which makes it difficult for me to envision what to do. Our furniture is old, and quite frankly, it’s ugly. There’s a fan that doesn’t even work. I thought I could fix most of it myself, but it’s two years later and I still haven’t changed a thing. Every time I would try to shop, I’d easily feel overwhelmed. I just don’t have an eye for pairing rugs with couches and end tables.

So, my husband and I decided to seek help. Why not let someone with actual talent handle this? We’re now receiving drawings of what our space could look like, and it’s already so much better than anything I could have ever done myself.

For now, it’s just our living room that’s getting an upgrade. But if all goes well, I’m sure we’ll have more projects in the future. And for the first time, I’m finally excited about shopping. (Because someone else is doing it!)

The lesson I’m learning yet again in my adult life is to not be afraid to delegate. We don’t have to do everything by ourselves all the time. It’s okay to let others help, especially when others have a gift. That’s Smart Living.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Pay a Visit to These Places in Amish Country

By Peggy Werner

Shipshewana and the LaGrange County area are home to one of the largest Amish communities in the United States. Known for their simple, plain and rustic lifestyle, visitors are drawn to the area to learn more about the people who believe neighbors and relatives are a blessing from God. Those values are reflected in how they do business, as well as how they live their personal lives.

Russell and Allyse Yoder own and manage Yoder Popcorn, 0920 N. State Road 5, a family-owned business since 1936. They have 10 varieties of popcorn and are best known for their premium white and premium yellow, Tiny Tender Yellow, Tiny Tender White and Lady Finger. Most of the varieties are grown, harvested and processed on two farms they own.

“Anyone can eat Lady Finger because it has no hull,” says Allyse. “The elderly, kids with braces, and those with diverticulitis and other health problems can eat it. What sets us apart is the quality of our popcorn. It’s always fresh, pops up nicely, and has a good taste. People always comment on the good taste.”

Customers can buy popcorn, apparel, bowls and buckets, and gift baskets at the retail store or at yoderpopcorn.com. They ship products all over the world and have a large customer following, she says.

The business has grown, especially since the couple took over as owners in 2018 and moved the store to its current location. Russell is the fourth-generation owner. The couple is not Amish, but values and respects the lifestyles, Allyse says.

Dustin Yoder is a fourth-generation co-owner, along with his father, two aunts, and two brothers-in-law, of Yoder’s Meat & Cheese, 435 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.

The store specializes in all-natural grass and grain-fed beef, pork, chicken, lamb and buffalo. They also have a full line of in-house smoked meats, cheeses and artisan foods. The business opened in 1960 as a custom processing center and expanded through the years to become a retail business.

“Quality and consistency are everything to us,” Dustin says. “We have an edge over everyone else because we are in control of the whole process from start to finish, from raising the animals to processing the animals to stocking the retail shelf for the customer. We dry age the meat, which releases flavor and tenderizes it. Then, we flash-freeze it, so when a homeowner pulls meat out of their freezer, it’s a much better quality and fresher than you would get at a grocery store.”

The business started out as a custom butchering and processing facility in Goshen. At one time, there were two locations, one in Goshen and one in Shipshewana, for about 18 years. When a

fire broke out at the Goshen plant in 1992, the family moved the entire business to the current location. In 2003, they built the current processing facility and retail store. They own about 450 acres, which includes a second farm purchased in 2012 to keep up with the growing demand for their products.

“Our meat is as natural as it can get,” Dustin says. “We don’t use byproducts in the feed, or antibiotics or hormones, to induce weight gain. We are very particular about how the animals are raised and fed because we can change the flavor and tenderness by how they are handled and what they eat.”

His customer base is about a 200-mile radius of the store, but many people travel farther to purchase their products. Soon, people will be able to place orders at yodersmeatandcheese.com.

The Amish lifestyle is dictated by the “Ordnung,” a German word meaning order, which differs from one community to another. What is acceptable in one community may not be acceptable in another. There are few generalities true for all Amish. Most, though, have no home phones, electricity or computers at home.

The various communities have different rules and regulations, but they all subscribe to some of the basic characteristics of Amish lifestyle, like dressing in plain and neutral-colored clothes, traveling by horse and buggy, farming with horse-drawn equipment, and being family oriented. Non-Amish live among the Amish.

“What it boils down to is that it’s not about what you do or don’t do, being Amish is more about what’s in your heart,” Dustin says. ❚

How to Care for Your Furniture

By Peggy Werner

Buying quality furniture is a big investment, so it only makes sense to properly care for it to keep it looking good for as long as possible.

“Top quality furniture is made to last, but it will show signs of wear and tear unless you take steps to prevent that from happening,” says sales manager and designer Arianna Brock of Fairfield Galleries, US 33 North, Fort Wayne. “People think about how to use furniture, but they don’t give much thought to how to take care of it. Everything in the home needs to be cleaned and maintained to look good and be functional.”

Every piece of furniture and fabric has a different cleaning code that should be read and adhered to, she says. The code tells you how to clean the material and it may also tell you what product to use, whether a solvent-based or water-based cleaner, or no cleaner at all. Some materials require only a wipe with a damp cloth or vacuuming.

Brock has several tips on how to keep that quality furniture looking like it was just delivered.

It’s a good idea to rotate and fluff cushions, since people tend to sit in the same chair or in the same place on a sofa. Most seat cushions are the same on both sides, so they can easily be

flipped. Back cushions are not always removable, but can benefit from a regular fluffing.

Run a damp cloth over wood furniture regularly then dry after to avoid buildup of dust and dirt. For fabric and leather, vacuum regularly with an upholstery brush. Vacuum the frame, too, and take off cushions to clean under them. Brock suggests rotating cushions at least once a week.

Just because wood furniture is long-lasting and solid, and has a great finish, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need protecting.

“Water is wood’s worst enemy,” Brock says. “It’s best to protect the surface of any table by either using a glass table top or placemats and coasters.”

Heat and grease are just as destructive, she says. She has seen instances where people let hot wing trays or pizza boxes sit on a table for a long time without taking any precautions.

“Heat pulls the moisture out of the table and can cause the best finish to be damaged and turn cloudy,” she says.

A little effort can result in better-looking, longer-lasting furniture.

For more information on furniture and interior design, call Brock at (260) 489-5526. ❚

Star Struck

Beingpeople, we sometimes argue about which celebrities are “good role models” for our children. Who and what do we admire? Financial success? Athletic prowess? Physical beauty? Great talent or intelligence? Charisma? “You can reach for the stars like these people did,” we tell our kids.

Yet, while all of these qualities are pleasant and just may be used to the glory of God, they have little to do with the behaviors modeled by Jesus Christ.

Along with unfailing, loving obedience to God, Jesus set an example for passionate service to others. He demonstrated courage, compassion, humility, kindness, patience and an unstoppable, unconditional, crazybig love for people.

John writes in John 13:1-5 (NIV): It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...

... John 13:12-17: When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

God’s ways are far above our ways. But with His help, we can reach for the stars – and the Maker of the stars – anyway. ❚

– Janine Pumilia

Enjoy 3 Activities at Putt Putt Fun Center

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Since he was 9 years old, John Snyder has worked at Putt Putt Fun Center, 4530 Speedway Dr., Fort Wayne.

“My first job was picking up cigarette butts for a penny a piece. Everyone smoked back then, so I made some good money,” Snyder laughs.

Now, as general manager, he’s proud to offer the public a number of fun activities at an exemplary financial value.

“We have people who come from all over for our good prices,” he says. “The original golf course was built in 1970 and my father [John Snyder Sr.] bought it in 1976. We’ve been here ever since, and we’ve done a lot. All the customization, all the landscaping – we’ve done everything ourselves. We’re really proud of what’s here.”

Putt Putt Fun Center offers three 18-hole golf courses, gokarting and arcade games. Each of the three golf courses are beautifully landscaped according to their theme, Snyder says.

“There’s a volcano course that has a volcano that you get to play through, and it also shoots fire on a timer at night,” he says. “That course is themed like Atlantis, so it has pillars and all of that kind of scenery.

“Then, there’s the jungle course, which has all of these big fountains, vines, trees and shade,” he adds. “You get to play around water, and there’s buttons that kids can press for water to shoot up, and different effects like that.

“And then, of course, there’s the classic course, which is the most traditional putt putt course.”

The golf courses are open year-round, weather permitting.

Putt Putt Fun Center offers three 18-hole golf courses, go-karting and arcade games. Summer hours start after Memorial Day.

The arcade is open year-round and has both retro and redemption games.

The arcade is also open year-round, with the price of 80 tokens for $10. That equals out to 8 tokens for $1, or 12.5 cents a token.

“We have a room that we just opened that’s a retro arcade, where you can find games like Pac Man from back in the 1980s,” Snyder says. “Then, the rest of the arcade is redemption games, where people can win tickets for prizes. We have the best prizes, hands down.”

Prizes span in price from $.05 to $700 and include everything from stuffed animals to PlayStation 5s. The top prize is an X-Box, which can be redeemed for 70,000 tickets.

“All of the retro games are just 1 token to play, while redemption games vary,” Snyder says.

Go-karting is open from the beginning of April until the end of October. Most people ride in 1-seater karts, but 2-seater karts are available to accommodate kids who are too short to drive on their own. Each ride lasts about 5 minutes, with 10 to 15 cars typically out at once.

“It’s a very cool track where you go around a figure 8 loop and up and over a bridge,” Snyder says.

Drivers must be at least 56 inches tall to drive alone, and 58 inches tall to drive a passenger. Passengers can ride for free and must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall.

Miniature golf and go-karting both cost $9 per person for one course/ride, $14 for two courses/rides, or $18 for three courses/ rides. Kids ages 3 and under can enter free, while kids ages 4-7 can enter for $3 for the whole day. Seniors ages 55 and older and military members receive discounts of $5 for one course/ride, $8 for two courses/rides, and $10 for three courses/rides. A punch card system allows customers to split between golf and go-karting as they wish.

“We also have an anniversary special the first or second week in June where we sell Putt Putt golf for half price. We’ve done that deal since 1976,” Snyder says.

Currently, Putt Putt Fun Center is still in its spring hours. Gokarting opens at 5 p.m. daily, while the arcade and golf courses are open Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday noon-9 p.m.; Friday noon-midnight; and Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight.

Summer hours will start after Memorial Day, with go-karting opening in the morning and all activities staying open later. Visit fortwayneputtputt.com for more information. ❚

Putt Putt Fun Center has a classic miniature-golf course, a volcano course, and a jungle course. The courses are open year-round, weather permitting.

Every year, there’s an anniversary special where golf is half price.

Dial Up Flavor with Summer Favorites

Turn up the heat this summer and spice your way to delicious warm-weather recipes by using subtle ingredients that bring out bold flavors in your favorite foods. Adding a taste-enhancing option to your repertoire – Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce – can make your summer get-togethers the talk of the neighborhood.

Cool off while enjoying mildly spicy dishes. Made with 100% natural chiles, lime juice, sea salt and a hint of apricot, Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce offers a unique sweet-and-spicy flavor without too much heat. Perfect for drizzling over fresh fruits and veggies like mango, pineapple, watermelon and more, it’s also commonly used to bring fruity, subtle spice to a wide variety of recipes including beverages and snacks, like smoothies, mangonadas, ice pops and cold drinks.

For example, in this Savory Mango Chamoy Daiquiri, the apricots create a fruity, tangy flavor that’s a nice, refreshing twist on a traditional drink.

Bringing a touch of heat to summer cookouts can be a breeze with mild hot sauces added to dishes like these Spiced Pork Ribs, which can be created start-to-finish in the oven or taken outside to sear on the grill. Just a handful of ingredients are required to season the ribs to spicy perfection before wrapping them in foil and letting your oven do the work.

The key ingredient for the right touch of subtle heat without being overwhelming is Tajín Mild Hot Sauce, a unique, flavorful addition to your cabinet that pairs well with savory snacks like tortilla chips, chicken wings, pizza and even micheladas. The lime is what makes it different from other hot sauces.

Made with 100% natural mild chiles, lime juice and sea salt without added sugars or coloring, it can be enjoyed by the whole family as a versatile way to enhance favorite foods with a mild but wild flavor.

Both recipes can be easily enhanced with a simple concept: just pair Tajín Clásico seasoning with either or both of the sauces to create unique flavor combinations, a tasty “mix it” tactic to add to your warm-weather menu and make it uniquely yours.

Find more recipes that crank up the heat this summer by visiting Tajín.com/us.

Spiced Pork Ribs

Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes

Servings: 6

2 racks (about 4 pounds) baby back ribs

1/4 cup Tajín Clásíco Seasoning

1/4 cup Tajín Mild Hot Sauce, plus additional for serving, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar lime wedges, for serving mashed potatoes or steamed rice, for serving (optional)

Rub ribs with seasoning. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 300 F. Combine hot sauce, oil and brown sugar; brush over both rib racks. Line baking sheet with double layer of aluminum foil with enough overhang to wrap foil around ribs. Lay ribs, bone side down, on foil-lined baking sheet. Wrap foil around ribs and seal. Place on baking sheet.

Fill large baking dish or roasting pan with 2 inches of boiling water. Place on lower oven rack to keep ribs moist as they bake. Place ribs on middle oven rack. Bake 2 1/2-3 hours, or until meat is tender and just starting to fall off bone.

Preheat broiler. Unwrap ribs and place on foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 4-6 minutes on middle oven rack, or until lightly charred and caramelized. Serve with lime wedges and additional hot sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed white rice, if desired.

Savory Mango Chamoy Daquiri

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

Rim Glass:

2 tablespoons Tajín Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce

2 tablespoons Tajín Clásico Seasoning

Drink:

4 tablespoons Tajín Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce, divided

1 cup frozen mango cubes, plus additional for garnish, divided

1/3 cup natural syrup

3 ice cubes

1/3 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon Tajín Clásico Seasoning, for garnish

To rim glass: Rim glass in chamoy hot sauce then seasoning.

To make drink: Blend 3 tablespoons chamoy hot sauce, mango cubes, syrup, ice cubes and orange juice. In glass, pour remaining chamoy hot sauce. To serve, garnish with additional mango cubes and sprinkle with seasoning.

Source: Family Features

Four Ways to Use Cash Wisely

There has been a lot of talk about a “cashless” society, but it’s not here yet. In fact, cash can still be a valuable element of your overall financial picture – if you employ it wisely. But how?

Consider these four key uses of cash:

• Everyday spending – Of course, you need sufficient cash on hand to pay for your cost of living – mortgage, debt payments, utilities, groceries, etc. You’ll likely rely on your savings or checking accounts to pay for these needs.

• Unexpected expenses and emergencies – It’s never a bad idea to establish a monthly budget. But, as you know, life is unpredictable –and sometimes you may encounter “budget-busting” expenses, such as a major home repair or a large medical bill. If you haven’t planned for these costs, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments, such as your IRA and 401(k), which can result in taxes, penalties and less money for your retirement. A better alternative is to prepare in advance by building an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses in cash, or at least in a highly liquid account, held separately from your regular checking or savings account so you won’t inadvertently spend the money.

• Short-term savings goal – When you are investing for a long-term goal – especially retirement – you will likely need to own a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based mutual funds. The value of these investments will fluctuate, so, if it’s possible, you’ll want to avoid selling them when their price is down – which may make them unsuitable for short-term goals. But if you’re aiming for a goal that you want to achieve in a year or so – a wedding, a long vacation, and so on – you’ll want to be sure a specific amount of money is there for you when you need it. Consequently, you’ll want to put away cash for this type of goal, possibly in a shortterm savings or investment vehicle that might pay somewhat higher interest than a regular checking/savings account.

• Source of investment – In regard to your longer-term investment strategy, cash can play two important roles. First, it can serve as its own asset class, alongside other classes, such as stocks and fixed-income vehicles. Unlike these other classes – especially stocks and stock-based mutual funds – cash won’t fluctuate in value, so it can potentially help lessen the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. And second, having the cash available in your portfolio gives you the opportunity to quickly

take advantage of other investment opportunities that may occur. And you may be able to use your existing investments to help replenish the cash in your portfolio. For example, if you choose to take stock dividends in cash, these dividends can be “swept” into your brokerage account and held there until you’re ready to invest them. (However, depending on your comprehensive financial strategy, it may be a good move to simply reinvest the dividends into the same stocks or stock funds.) Keep in mind that you won’t want your investment accounts to contain too much cash, as its purchasing power can erode due to inflation. By managing your cash efficiently, and putting it to work in different ways, you can gain some key benefits – and you’ll help yourself to keep moving toward your short- and long-term goals. ❚

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

Make Home Projects a Painless Experience

By Peggy Werner

Van’s Home Center, 106 Peckhart Ct., in Auburn, Ind., just off I-69 and State Road 8, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. Their 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. The staff is professionally trained and knowledgeable about all of the products being sold.

“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. Employees can help customers at any budget, whether they just need a new sofa or want to undertake a remodel or start 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,” she says. “They want their home projects to be as easy

and painless as possible. Because of the internet, they have done their research and have a better understanding of what they want, and they want to save time.”

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, that values customers enough to want to maintain a relationship with them for a lifetime,” Brouer adds. “Our customers get a personalized shopping experience with us. Hopefully, when they need something for their 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 bought online at vanshomecenter.com.

“Looking toward the future, we just want to make sure we are fulfilling customers’ needs, as we always have done. Everything we do is the result of giving customers a trusted, local destination for everything for the home,” Brouer says. “We are grateful to be able to maintain a business for 50 years, and that’s only because people trust us.” ❚

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.

Color in Motion: Butterfly Exhibit

Thru June 25, daily except Mondays. Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440, botanicalconservatory.org.

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.

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/.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A

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

Kenny Chesney with Kelsea Ballerini

May 18, 7:30 p.m. These country music artists perform at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, kennychesney.com/tour.

Buskerfest 2023

May 20, 3-9 p.m. Local, regional and national acts from musicians, fire dancers, living stat-

ues, magicians, jugglers, and more. Corner of Wayne St. and Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 420-3266, buskerfestfw.com.

Eco Fest 2023

May 21, noon-5 p.m. Enjoy music, food, workshops, and retail & non-profit vendors that help highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives in Northeast Indiana. Headwaters Park Pavilions, 333 S.Clinton St., Fort Wayne, ecofestfw.com.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

May 29. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Nettie Avenue and Parnell Avenue. The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m., and the parade travels to the Memorial Coliseum for placement of wreaths, playing of taps, and remembering fallen brothers and sisters-inarms. 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, accov. weebly.com/events.html.

Willie Nelson and Family in Concert

May 25, 8 p.m. With a seven-decade career, Willie Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, fortwayneparks.org.

Allen County Fair

June 20-25. In addition to 4-H festivities, the fair offers a full food court, carnival rides, and lengthy list of family-fun events, including a free ice cream social, hot air balloon flight/ glow, 4X4 truck pull, demo derby, live music, peddle car races and much more. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, allencountyfairgroundsin.com.

Shop for fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more at the Summer Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Lineup for the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony takes place May 29 at 10 a.m.