Smart Living Fort Wayne _ September 21, 2023

Looking Local Happy

fall, Smart Living readers! I hope you’re enjoying the influx of pumpkinand apple-flavored treats that are everywhere these days. I know I am.

I’m usually not the person who starts their Christmas shopping this early. In fact, I usually don’t start shopping until the week (and sometimes the day) before Christmas. My younger sister once got a VERY generous gift of Beats headphones from me because I bought them in a panic just an hour before our family gathering started. As far as gifts go, that was a huge success, but also, kind of a fail.

Motherhood has changed me in many ways, and one of those ways is getting my act together well in advance of the holiday season. For example, right now, my son has a cute dalmatian costume hanging up in his closet, while I have a makeshift Cruella de Vil outfit pretty much pieced together. My husband doesn’t care to dress up for Halloween, and this year, it’s not a battle I care to pick. As long as he places our heavy pumpkins nicely on the porch, I really don’t mind.

Finding Halloween costumes is one thing, but even more shocking (especially if you knew me in person) is I actually started buying my family Christmas presents! I don’t say this to make you cringe or roll your eyes, though I don’t blame you if you do. I only say this because I found the perfect silly t-shirt for my dad at a local business and thought, why not just get this now?

Shopping local is something we preach heavily here at Smart Living. Why give your money to big corporations who frankly don’t care about you when you could invest those dollars into your own community? Shopping local is better for your neighbors, the planet, and at the end of the day, yourself. You’ll get a better product and better customer service.

I’m not saying that you, too, need to start your Christmas shopping this early. I just hope that if and when you do begin to look around, you think to look at local businesses first.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Transforming Your Bathroom in Just 1 Day

By Peggy Werner

If you’re tired of looking at that out-of-date bathtub or shower and want something new or entirely different – and quickly – it can be done.

In 2019, four men with a combined total of 60 years of experience in the home improvement business founded Bath Experts. The company specializes in the transformation of residential bathtubs and showers and is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer serving Indiana and Ohio.

“We focus on the wet space because this area makes the most impact in a bathroom remodel, visually and economically, for the homeowner,” says Paul Peterson, director of marketing.

Bath Experts can also do tub-to-shower conversions and shower-to-tub conversions. The business employs their own installers, trains them, and allows them to work alone or in teams, completing most projects in just one day.

And there are no shortcuts.

“We don’t cover up the existing space,” Peterson says. “We tear out the tub or shower down to the studs, just in case there is any mold or other damage that needs to be addressed when updating, and then we customize the space based on the homeowner’s preferences.”

There are several reasons why a homeowner needs or wants a new bathtub or shower. The aging population is most concerned about safety while bathing and staying in their home for as long as possible. They often want to convert a traditional bathtub to a walk-in shower or walk-in bathtub and add additional safety features such as shelves and caddies, grab bars, built-in seating, low-profile thresholds and more.

The replacement showers are crafted from durable nonporous acrylic, which means they’ll last for many years without cracking, chipping or fading. They are also infused with silver

ions into the wall system to prevent bacteria from growing and reproducing.

Others want to update the look of a shower or bathtub to better coordinate with other décor, and/or make it easier to clean by not having to combat the growth of mold and mildew and endlessly scrubbing grout. Some homeowners are looking to upgrade to something more luxurious because they want more of a spa-like experience, Peterson says.

The choices people have today are vast, with a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from, as well as smooth or textured finishes with the look of marble, stone, tile and more.

All consultations are done in the home, where the company’s bath experts meet with homeowners to talk about their personal preferences, take measurements, and allow homeowners to see and feel sample materials and view computer-aided designs, showing the effects created by the different choices and how the finished project will look. Projects can be tailored to meet almost any budget, and Bath Experts offer financing with affordable monthly payment options.

Based in Indianapolis, the Fort Wayne warehouse was the newest of five locations in Indiana and Ohio, until a sixth warehouse opened in Louisville, Ky., within the past month.

“People are always surprised at the transformation when we are finished and how quickly we can get the job done. Many of our projects are completed in as little as a day,” Peterson says.

To set a free home improvement consultation, call Bath Experts at (260) 231-1693. ❚

Bath Experts is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer serving Indiana and Ohio. The company does many tub-to-shower and shower-to-tub conversions.

Whether a homeowner wants additional safety features in their shower or just an updated bathroom aesthetic, Bath Experts can transform the “wet space” of a bathroom in as little as a day.

Give Your Backyard a Makeover This Fall

By Peggy Werner

As temperatures dip, people can extend their enjoyment of the outdoors with fire pits that produce heat as well as ambiance.

“Depending on the size of the fire pit, heat can radiate from a radius of six to 16 feet, providing a nice, cozy feeling while sitting outside in cooler weather,” says Sam Schmucker, co-owner with his son, Darren, of The BBQ Store and More, 17007 Doty Road, New Haven.

Sales of fire pits have greatly increased as people want to expand their home entertaining to include the outdoors, Schmucker says.

The local family-owned business opened five years ago, having merged with S & W Swing Sets that was in business for 30 years. The store has all things to do with BBQ, including a wide assortment of grills, griddles, smokers and more.

To help customers make the most of cooking outdoors, they also sell patio furniture, playsets, gazebos and pavilions. The 4,500-square-foot showroom also has outside displays. The goal is to provide customers with everything they need for a complete backyard makeover, hence the store’s slogan, “Your Backyard Headquarters.”

It’s important to Schmucker to sell products that are known for their quality, comfort and durability.

For example, BBQ Store and More carries “Breeo” and “Warming Trends” brand fire pits, both quality products with

good warranties, Schmucker says. Both brands are also made in America.

Breeo invented the first smokeless fire pit in 2011, which can be used to grill food. The fire pits are about 90 percent smokeless after burning for 12-15 minutes. Breeo fire pits work through a double-wall secondary combustion design. When the fire is burning, the walls heat up and the hot air rises through the gap between the two walls. The air exits the wall cavity through a series of holes around the rim. The pressurized heated oxygen mixes with the smoke and causes it to reburn. Available in three sizes and 15 styles, Breeo fire pits can stand alone or be surrounded by a brick or stone outer wall to give a different look and blend with landscaping.

The Warming Trends fire pits have a patent-pending technology behind the brass crossfire burner that uses an air-to-gas ration to produce a taller, brighter, and fuller flame, resembling a natural wood burning fire.

To give customers an advanced visual of their backyard, BBQ Store and More also has design software that can create a 3D rendering of a customer’s project. That way, customers can see their vision before committing to it.

“What sets us apart is we know our product and have the best customer service to help people know how to accomplish the look and result they want to achieve,” Schmucker says.

For more information, call the store at (260) 632-0620. ❚

Who was Paul?

It’s difficult to overstate the influence of Paul the apostle on Christianity. His letters (epistles), written from about 49 to 67 AD, have instructed Christians worldwide for nearly 2,000 years. Of the 27 New Testament books we use today, 14 are authored by Paul (also called Saul) and/or his companions.

An apostle is “one who is sent on a mission.” Jesus personally chose 12 Jewish men as his disciples (learners) and apostles. They lived alongside him during his three-year ministry.

By contrast, there’s no indication Paul knew Jesus before his crucifixion and resurrection.

Paul was born around 4 AD in Tarsus, a Mediterranean city of high culture some 550 miles from Nazareth. A tentmaker by trade, he spoke Greek and Aramaic; he was a Roman citizen and literate Pharisee, zealous for Jewish law. He worked hard to destroy Christians by means of legalized violence. (Acts 9, 22 and 26).

Act 26: “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus … I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’”

The resurrected Christ tells Paul that persecuting Christians is futile, then appoints him to preach salvation not only to Jews, but also to Gentiles (non-Jews). Nothing could be more contrary to Paul’s understanding of faith, but he obeys.

Paul studies under the apostle Barnabas before making arduous missionary journeys, mostly on foot – an estimated total of 10,000 miles. He preaches Christ and, guided by holy spirit, establishes at least 14 churches throughout Asia and Europe. In his letters, he teaches, scolds and encourages the young churches.

Paul suffers greatly on these journeys, but also experiences miracles and an inner peace that only Jesus Christ provides. His death is not mentioned in scripture; tradition holds that he was beheaded in Rome for his faith.

Paul steadfastly carried Christ’s good news to Jew and Gentile alike. Get to know him in the Book of Acts and church epistles. ❚ –

Janine Pumilia

DeKalb County Fall Fair Returns Sept. 25-30

By Peggy Werner

In its 92nd year, the DeKalb County Fall Fair has become known as “America’s Largest Family Reunion” and is one of the biggest street fairs in Indiana. Starting at the center of downtown Auburn, multiple city blocks are lined with food vendors, nightly entertainment, competitions, shows, carnival rides and more.

This year, the fair is taking place Sept. 25-30 around the County Courthouse Square, 100 S. Main St., extending into city streets for several blocks, and including the DeKalb County Fairgrounds, 708 S. Union St. Admission to the fair and all entertainment is free.

Drawing vendors and hundreds of thousands of fairgoers from around the country, the fair has prompted many people to make the annual event a family tradition, says Jeff Morr, entertainment chairperson.

Morr remembers attending the fair as a child, performing in

rock bands at the fair, becoming a 4-H leader, and then eventually, a volunteer.

“I have never completely missed a fair,” he says. “I always found a way to get there, even if out of town. The fair is just something you grow up with. It has to happen every year and people love it. Everyone wants to come to the fair for one reason or another and see people they haven’t seen for a while.”

Dave Bunn, in charge of The Merchant’s Tent, says putting on the fair is a “massive feat” involving hundreds of volunteers and a fair board consisting of members, mostly having an average of 15-20 years of fair experience.

The Merchant Tent covers six city blocks, with more than 45,000 square feet under one roof. Upwards of 200 vendors sell products and services and promote businesses and organizations, with display items varying from lawn and garden equipment,

The DeKalb County Fair welcomes the fall season with a carnival, food vendors, nightly entertainment, and more.

beauty products, apparel, health products, RVs, ATVs, advertising, promotional materials for civic organizations and more.

John Hoffman, one of the newest members on the board, is responsible for concessions, rides and games. This year, there are 93 food vendors, 70 games and 30 rides provided by Poor Jack Amusements of Milton, Ind.

Hoffman describes the fair as “very interactive,” with a board that “truly cares about the success of the fair and genuinely cares about their responsibilities.”

Vendors from across the country return each year. The number of food vendors has consistently grown and an additional street was opened to accommodate the influx five years ago.

Hoffman personally interviews every vendor, and as a result, has started presenting recognition awards in various categories. Last year was the first year for awards in three categories of food, games and nonprofit.

“As I do this, I learn more and more about these families, and it’s impressive to find out how they have contributed to the fair and for how long,” he says. “I wish I could recognize all of them, and will have to come up with more ways to do that.”

Although more than one vendor may be serving the same type of food, each one has a unique way of preparing and seasoning their food, Hoffman says. Pence’s Concessions of Bryan, Ohio, has nine booths. Their caramel corn, caramel apples, and cotton candy are hugely popular, he says.

Award-winning Zebelles is now a concession on wheels serving polish and Italian sausage, onion straws and foot-long corndogs. Three generations ago, the family’s grandfather started a family tradition with a single cotton candy/apple stand at the fair in the 1920’s.

Eastern Star is one of the oldest food vendors and has been making donuts for more than 75 years. Today, they turn out 120 dozen donuts an hour with a staff of about 10 workers assigned to a specific station. The trailer is located on the corner of Seventh and Main.

“The donuts are made to order, are warm when you get them, and they melt in your mouth,” Hoffman says. “This definitely is one of our most popular attractions, with a continuous long line of people waiting to buy the donuts.”

Morr says the free entertainment is another big attraction, especially for those who couldn’t afford to go elsewhere to see top acts. Each year, Morr’s goals include getting a well-known country band, rock band and tribute band to perform, plus provide some of the area’s best local bands a chance to perform for a big crowd.

This year’s headliners include Quiet Riot, an American heavy metal band that formed in 1973, producing such hits as “Metal Health,” “Mama Weer All Crazeed Now,” “Highway to Hell,” “Don’t Wanna Let Go,” and more. With changes in management and performers, the band now consists of Guitarist Alex Grossi, Vocalist Jizzy Pearl, and Drummer Johnny Kelly.

Another headliner, Confederate Railroad, is an American country rock band founded in Marietta, Georgia, in 1987 by lead vocalist Danny Shirley. After working as a backup band for country acts David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck, the band signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records, releasing their first album and four more in the 1990s.

The complete entertainment lineup this year includes the Miss DeKalb County Queen Pageant at 8 p.m. Monday; the High School Choir (featuring area junior high and high school choirs) at 7 p.m. Tuesday; Megan Mullins (originally from Indiana) and Side Piece and Frank Foster at 7 p.m. Wednesday; Paradise and Quiet Riot at 7 p.m. Thursday; Rekt and Confederate Railroad at 7 p.m. Friday; and JD3 and Credence Revived tribute band at 7 p.m. Saturday. ❚ For more information, go to dekalbcountyfair.org

The fair takes place across multiple city blocks in Auburn. Admission is free.

This year’s fair features 93 food vendors, 70 games and 30 rides.

How to Save Up to $465 on Utility Bills

By Peggy Werner

One of the best ways to improve home comfort and save utility costs is with energy-efficient windows.

Universal Windows Direct of Fort Wayne has an exclusive product with a lifetime guarantee and warranty, which means you won’t ever have to replace windows again, says Marc Faylor, owner.

The company specializes in personal service and can meet any customer’s needs, he adds.

“I meet every customer face-to-face. I want them to know who I am, and I want to know who they are. I’m a people person, not just a salesman. We are a local family-owned business that is easy to work with, and we don’t pressure people.

“All our windows and doors are custom-made for each home,” Faylor continues. “We measure, design and install, so the customer can have any style, color, and any other particulars they want. We are different because if a homeowner wants to take out a window and put a door in the space, we can do that. The customer has total freedom,” he says.

Universal Windows Direct of Fort Wayne has been in business for more than 10 years, having joined with Faylor Construction, Inc., general contractors, founded in 1986. The parent company, Universal Windows, is headquartered in Bedford, Ohio. It has been in business more than 35 years and offers everything from affordable windows to vinyl siding replacement, asphalt roof shingles, entry doors, sliding glass doors and more.

“We added Universal Windows because they offer services we didn’t have and their products are the best,” Faylor says.

Faylor Construction handles all stages of homebuilding, including laying a foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, plastering, tile, insulation, drywall and more.

“We can literally do anything and everything when it comes to building or remodeling a home,” Faylor says. “What sets us apart from the competition is our exclusive products and having our own installers.”

The UniShield® window made by Universal Windows is exclusively patented for the company and is available in Classic,

Plus, Premium, and Supreme. Depending on the package of your choice, replacement windows consist of two or three panes of glass, argon or krypton gas between panes, and a double coat of low-e glazing. Old-fashioned metal window spacers have been replaced with foam spacing, which dramatically reduces condensation and gives a much clearer view. The company claims homeowners can save up to $465 per year on utility bills by switching to energy-efficient windows.

One of the biggest and most unique projects Faylor’s company worked on was putting in angled windows to match a roof line in a three-story-tall living room, he adds.

Now, after three-and-a-half years of working out of 9116 Lima Road, Faylor just got word their lease is up and won’t be renewed. The business must move in 90 days and is looking to purchase a building nearby that can provide space for offices, a showroom and warehouse all in one location. Currently, their storage is off-site.

The company services customers within a 60-mile radius of Fort Wayne. All windows have a lifetime warranty that transfers from one owner to the next when a home sells.

Faylor credits his staff and dozens of subcontractors for the good reputation the company has maintained through the years.

“I couldn’t do it by myself. Our great team of people and exclusive products makes all the difference,” he says. ❚

Energy-efficient windows lead to saving on utility bills, says Marc Faylor, owner of Universal Windows Direct of Fort Wayne. The company offers exclusively patented windows that reduce condensation and provide a clearer view.

Consider Financial Gifts for Grandchildren

If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow. And to help them achieve a bright future, you might like to make some financial gifts — but which ones? You have several options. Let’s look at three of them:

• 529 plans – When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, any earnings growth is distributed federally tax free, as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty.) And in-state residents who invest in their home state’s 529 plan may also receive state tax incentives. A 529 plan can be used for college, approved trade school programs, qualified student loan repayments and even some K-12 costs. And if the grandchild you’ve named as a beneficiary of a 529 plan decides to forego further education, you can generally switch beneficiaries to another immediate family member. You can contribute up to $17,000 in 2023, per grandchild, to a 529 plan without incurring gift taxes. Furthermore, as of the 2024–25 school year, grandparent-owned 529 plans won’t affect financial aid eligibility. However, tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, so consult with your tax advisor about your situation.

• Roth IRA – Any earnings growth in a Roth IRA is distributed tax free, provided the owner is at least 59½ and has had the account at least five years. If your grandchildren earn money from babysitting or a part-time job, they can open a Roth IRA with the help of a parent or other adult. You could “match” your grandchildren’s contributions, possibly on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to provide them with an incentive for saving. In fact, you could fully fund the Roth IRA, up to the annual contribution limit, which is $6,500 or the amount of your grandchild’s taxable compensation, whichever is less. (The annual limit is $7,500 for those 50 or older.) And your grandchildren can withdraw the contributions — not the earnings — at any time to pay for college or anything else.

• Custodial account – You can open a custodial account, also known as an UGMA or UTMA account, for a grandchild, and fund it with most types of investments: stocks, mutual funds, bonds and so on. For that reason, it can be a good way to teach grandchildren about the nature of investing — risks, returns and the value of holding investments for the long term. Plus, there’s an initial tax benefit to custodial accounts: The first $1,250 of your grandchild’s investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains) is tax free, and the next $1,250 is taxed at the child’s rate.

Anything above that amount is taxed at the parents’ marginal tax rate. However, once your grandchildren reach the age of termination — usually 18 or 21, depending on where they live — they take control of the account and can do whatever they choose with the money. So, while a custodial account could be considered as a funding source for college, it might alternatively serve as a gift that could eventually enable your grandchild to fulfill another desire or goal — take an overseas trip, pay for a car or maybe even start on a path to entrepreneurship.

Making financial gifts to your grandchildren can be rewarding — for them and for you. So, consider the possibilities carefully and put your generosity to work.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. ❚

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

Clean Air is More Important Than Ever

By Peggy Werner

Air quality is always a concern to those with allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions, but with smoke from the Canadian wildfires hanging in the air for weeks, everyone is thinking about the air they breathe and how it is impacting their health, says Tony Bear, general manager of Rolf Griffin of Fort Wayne.

“People are afraid of what they are seeing out there and the atmosphere is so eerie, people are getting alarmed. If it was just for a day or two, it would be no big deal, but this has been going on for weeks,” he says.

Customers report having headaches, shortness of breath, and other symptoms because of the smoke, he says.

Conditions outside cannot be controlled by individual homeowners, but they can take several steps to improve the inside air they breathe. Bear has several remedies and recommendations to improve indoor air quality, which is typically unhealthier than outside air because homes today are built so airtight.

Rolf Griffin offers people the highest rated furnace filter available, Bear says.

MERV, otherwise known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a measurement scale used to rate the effectiveness of furnace filters at trapping airborne particles. The scale ranges from 1-16, with 16 being most effective, second only to High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air filters. HEPA filters are not MERV rated because they are tested and certified to meet a specific efficiency at a specific particle size, the minimum being 99.97 percent at 0.3 microns.

Bear says the higher-rated filters need to be changed less often, sometimes only once a year if a home in not heavily trafficked and home to many pets. Forgetting to regularly change the furnace filter is one of the biggest problems contributing to poor air quality in the home, he says.

“A dirty air filter reduces the air flow, which causes a lot of problems with cooling and heating because the equipment has to work harder and shortens its life expectancy,” he says.

Bear recommends homeowners schedule a full-service cleaning and maintenance check for their air conditioner every spring, and for their furnace every fall, to increase efficiency and find any problems that might contribute to equipment failure in extreme temperatures.

Bear recalls an increased demand for good furnace filters and air purifiers years ago with the onset of Covid-19. Although air purifiers, when used properly, can reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space, it is not enough to protect people from getting sick.

With other pollutants in the air, the concern for how to achieve good air quality in the home continues to be a concern to many, he says.

Portable air cleaners work best if filtering the air with (HEPA) filters because they actually filter the air, rather than emitting ozone, which just covers up odors.

The best air purifiers attach to the inside of the furnace, are maintenance free, and remove fine particles from the air, Bear says. These air purifiers actually break down the smoke that goes through the filter.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (260) 744-2151 or go to rolfgriffin.com. ❚

Homeowners can take steps to improve their indoor air quality, says Tony Bear, general manager of Rolf Griffin of Fort Wayne.

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.

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 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/.

Amazing Fall Fun

Thru Oct. 29, Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Choose a pre-picked pumpkin or pick your own, tackle a corn maze, enjoy delicious fall treats, and more. Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 Cr. 43, Waterloo, amazingfallfun.com.

Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival

Thru Oct. 29, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Corn mazes, pump-

kins, ice cream and, of course, baby calves. Kuehnert Dairy Farm & Fall Festival, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnertdairy.com/ kuehnert-fall-festival.

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.

Fall Harvest Festival

Sept. 22-23, Fri. & Sat. at 10 a.m. A celebration of the history and culture of the American farm featuring wagon rides, barrel trail rides, a saw mill, farm animals, wheat threshing, corn shredding/shelling, rock crushing, blacksmith demos, a children’s maze and more. Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6000, fortwayneparks.org.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Dino Days

Sept. 23-24, Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Experience an archeological dig, wild dinosaur encounters and more. 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6820, kidszoo.org/event/ dino-days/.

Día de los Muertos 2023

Sept. 23-Nov. 5, recurring daily except for Mondays. This community-centered exhibition celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a festive time for remembering deceased loved ones and ancestors. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwmoa.org/exhibition/diadelosmuertos_2023/.

Pumpkin Path Display

Oct. 3-Oct. 29, recurring daily except for Mondays. Enjoy fall surroundings and pose for festive photo ops. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.

Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, is open now through Oct. 29. Pick a pumpkin, tackle a corn maze, enjoy fall treats and more. Tickets are available at amazingfallfun.com.

The Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival returns Sept. 15 with pumpkins, corn mazes, ice cream and more.