Smart Living Fort Wayne - June 29, 2023

Making Memories

Happy (almost) Independence Day, Smart Living readers! I hope you’re having a great summer so far.

For my family, the past few weeks have been a blur of swimming lessons, ice cream sundaes and frequent trips to the zoo. A personal highlight was seeing Taylor Swift in Chicago, which was honestly the greatest experience of my life. Full stop.

Summer is a time when my husband and I like to slow down and actually use those vacation days we diligently stored up. It’s also a time when I suddenly become a morning person, waking up extra early to read books for fun and drink coffee on the front porch. It’s a season that flies by way too fast, in my opinion.

In general, time is flying by so fast. When I stop to think about it, I realize my 6-year-old cousin who I nannied for a summer is now 16. She’s also almost taller than me, and I’m 5’10! We used to spend our days baking cupcakes for neighbors and watching “Jessie” and “Austin & Ally” on Disney Channel. Now, she tells me about her friend drama and comments hearteye emojis on my Instagram posts.

Another girl who I used to babysit is now a fully-grown adult, working toward her Ph.D. She also just got engaged. I swear it was just yesterday when she was kicking my butt at a Sonic the Hedgehog video game.

My son, Elliot, is now RUNNING, which probably throws me the most. He was a little delayed with his gross motor skills, but now it’s obvious that I never had anything to worry about. He basically walked for a day and now he sprints everywhere. As a parent, it’s an exhausting relief.

The days are long, but I know there will come a time when I’ll wonder how it all went by so fast. All I can do is create more opportunities to make those happy memories with my family, and maybe, if I’m lucky, get tickets to see Taylor Swift again someday. (One can only dream).

I wish you a wonderful summer full of long days and happy memories made! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

A Delicious, Healthy Homemade Dish

Nothing makes family time special quite like a homemade meal, especially one made with locally sourced ingredients that are as fresh and flavorful as they are thoughtfully prepared.

Whether your gatherings with loved ones take place in the family kitchen, on the patio or at a picnic area, this “Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad” makes for a perfect brunch or appetizer that leans on local ingredients like Michigan asparagus, which takes just about three days to get from the field to your table. Grown by more than 100 family farmers, it can be found in your local store at 1-4 days old, compared to 10-20 days old for imported asparagus.

As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium, it’s also easy to prepare – just don’t overcook it.

Look for thicker spears at the store, as they tend to have greater texture and more

flavor and tenderness because the fiber is less concentrated.

Visit michiganasparagus.org to find more flavorful recipes to share with your nearest and dearest.

Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad

Recipe courtesy of Ashley from “Cheesecurd in Paradise” on behalf of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

6 bacon slices

1 pound fresh Michigan asparagus, ends trimmed

⅓ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

⅔ cup halved cherry tomatoes

¼ cup sliced green onion

In skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan. Set aside.

Cut asparagus into four pieces. Add asparagus to same skillet used to cook bacon. Cook until fork tender, about 4 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagus. While asparagus cooks, prepare dressing. Whisk oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Chop bacon.

Remove asparagus from pan and place on platter. Top with chopped bacon, eggs, tomatoes and green onion. Pour dressing over top. ❚

Source: Family Features

Got Fruit?

People sometimes try to manipulate Christians. They may say all the right things, but something about them feels “off.” This is nothing new, and Jesus addressed it in Matthew 7: 15.

“Watch out for false prophets,” he told his disciples. “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

How do we recognize them?

“By their fruit you will recognize them,” Jesus said. “Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

Those who incite hatred, or anything that contradicts scripture, aren’t bearing good fruit.

What is good fruit? Paul the apostle answers this in Galatians 5:13-26. He names “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol” among things we reap when we’re led by the Spirit and not the flesh.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But don’t use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They’re in conflict with each other, so you aren’t to do whatever you want. But if you’re led by the Spirit, you’re not under the law.

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” ❚

– Janine Pumilia

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.”

The region’s newest attraction is the Indiana Rail Experience, adds June Julien, executive director of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau. Passengers can enjoy themed vintage train rides, such as the Wine and Chocolate ride on July 7 and 8, the Wine and Whiskey experience July 15, and more all summer. Details are at indianarailexperience.org.

Outdoor enthusiasts have ample opportunities to enjoy the 101 natural lakes in the area, the most popular of which are Lake James, Hamilton Lake and Crooked Lake, Julien adds.

“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. Reservations can be made at in.gov/dnr/stateparks/inns/potawatomi-inn-at-pokagon-state-park/.

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 be-

lieve 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.

“We also have plenty of cat toys and treats, too, and even harnesses and leashes for those cats who love the outdoors,” Kim adds. “Your dog or cat is very special to us, and we would like to pamper them. All our employees are eager and excited to help assist you to find exactly what you need. We are all extremely informed on our products and do our best to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.”

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

The Shoppes at Fremont:

Amanda Lee Coffee

American Eagle Outfitters

Bath & Body Works

Carter’s Babies and Kids | OshKosh B’gosh

Claire’s Coach Outlet

Encore Dance Academy

Famous Footwear Outlet

Jockey

Lake George Surgery Center

Levi’s Outlet Store

Maurices

Petshion

The Pickle Factory

Under Armour

gourmet foods, there’s also lake-themed items, funny signs, and inventive kitchen and grilling accessories.

“We are an over 100-year-old pickle company that has stayed true to its roots of producing pickles and peppers in the traditional way,” says Max Troyer, president of Sechler’s Pickles.

“The Pickle Factory is such a unique store – there are not too many shops that you would find quite like it,” adds 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. There is something for everyone, even if you’re not a pickle lover. If you are a pickle lover, I bet we have a type or flavor of pickle you haven’t tried.”

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.

“Our employees are always ready to answer any questions a customer may have, or connect them to someone who can,” Johnson says. “We will also help customers locate any item or product they are looking for, as well as try to match an item we carry to something similar they may have gotten elsewhere. Employees will appropriately box or package a customer’s purchase and help carry it to their car if needed.”

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.

To learn more about recreation in Steuben County, go to visitsteubencounty.com. ❚

The Shoppes at Fremont house locally owned shops and popular chain stores all in one location.

Cover Photo: Steuben County Tourism Bureau

Visit 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. ❚

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. ❚

ETFs Can Spell Opportunity

Mutual funds offer investors a chance to own shares in dozens of companies, as well as bonds, government securities and other investments. But you might be able to broaden your portfolio further by owning another type of fund — an exchange-traded fund (ETF).

An ETF, like a mutual fund, can own an array of investments, including stocks, bonds and other securities. Many ETFs are passively managed in that they track the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500. In this respect, they differ from most mutual funds, which tend to be actively managed — that is, the fund managers are free to buy and sell individual securities within the fund.

Another difference between ETFs and mutual funds is that ETFs are traded like stocks, so shares are bought and sold throughout the day based on the current market price, whereas mutual funds are traded just once a day, at a price calculated at the end of the trading day. Whether this ability to make intra-day trades is meaningful to you will likely depend on how active you are in managing your own investments.

For some people, the main attraction of ETFs is their tax advantages. Because many ETFs are index funds, they generally do much less buying and selling than actively managed funds — and fewer sales mean fewer taxable capital gains. These ETFs are somewhat similar to index mutual funds, which are also considered to be tax-efficient, as opposed to actively managed funds, which constantly buy and sell investments, passing on taxable capital gains to you throughout the life of the fund. (Keep in mind, though, that mutual funds that trade frequently may still be appropriate for your financial strategy. While taxes are one element to consider when evaluating mutual funds, or any investment, other factors, such as growth potential and ability to diversify your portfolio, are also important.)

ETFs typically also have lower operating costs than mutual funds, resulting in lower overall fees. Part of the reason for these lower costs is that actively managed mutual funds, by definition, usually have larger management teams devoted to researching, buying and selling securities. By contrast, passively managed ETFs may have leaner, less-costly management structures.

But while most ETFs may share the same basic operating model, many types are available. You can invest in equity ETFs, which may track stocks in a particular industry or an index of equities (S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and so on),

or you can purchase fixed-income ETFs, which invest in bonds. ETFs are also available for currencies and commodities.

Of course, as with all investments, ETF investing does involve risk. Your principal and investment return will fluctuate in value, so when you redeem your ETF, it may be worth more or less than the original investment. Also, liquidity may be an issue. Some ETFs may be more difficult to sell than other investments, which could be a problem if you need the money quickly. And because it’s so easy to move in and out of ETFs, you might be tempted to “overtrade” rather than following an appropriate long-term investment strategy.

A financial professional can evaluate your situation and help you determine whether ETFs are suitable for your needs. At a minimum, they represent another investment opportunity that may prove useful as you work toward your financial 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

Family-Friendly Entertainment at Blue Gate

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

With a theater, restaurant, hotel and shopping options, the Blue Gate at 175 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, has become a Midwestern household name.

“The Blue Gate was founded in the early ‘80s when the Shipshewana Flea Market was gaining popularity across the Midwest,” says Andy Rohrer, vice president of sales and marketing. “As the town’s shopping district and tourism offerings have grown, the Blue Gate has become a cornerstone of the Shipshewana experience.”

This year, the Blue Gate Theatre is featuring more than 100 performers in over 300 shows, including four musicals.

“We have a little of everything,” Rohrer says. “That said, we’re thrilled to add some new outstanding performers to our list of ‘can’t believe they’re performing in little Shipshewana’ artists.”

Such artists include the Steve Miller Band, Trace Adkins, Styx, the Gaither Vocal Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Crowder, Marie Osmond and more.

“First and foremost, we love music, and there’s nothing better than seeing a favorite performer live or hearing a song you’ve heard a thousand times on the radio played in the same room, often with a fun story to go along with it,” Rohrer says. “But we also love the experience of welcoming the guests that attend. When people come and leave happy, there’s nothing better than knowing our team helped them have a great time.”

Tickets prices always depend on the artist performing, but guests can attend certain tribute shows for as little as $24.95. Prices extend up to $120-140 for front-row seats for some of the biggest names who are performing, Rohrer adds.

“The best place to buy is always TheBlueGate.com,” he says. “People have to be careful these days, as third-party scalpers are everywhere and can charge two to three times the ticket price sometimes.”

As an Amish town, Shipshewana is known for its hospital-

ity. The Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery offers Amish homestyle comfort foods and a true taste of the local culture, Rohrer says.

“Guests especially love our pressure-fried chicken and more than 20 varieties of made-from-scratch pies,” he says. “We also serve guests in three different ‘styles,’ including regular menu dining, family-style, and our all-you-can-eat buffet. The in-house bakery provides the breads, pies and pastries that you can get in the restaurant, or you can take a slice of Shipshewana home.”

The Blue Gate Garden Inn is a convenient option for anyone attending a concert, as the performing arts center is located just a short walk from guests’ hotel rooms.

“The Blue Gate Garden Inn is the newest hotel in town, and we work hard to make it the best hotel as well,” Rohrer says. “One of our guests’ favorite amenities is our all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet, featuring all your favorites, made-to-order omelets, waffle bar and more. It’ll be one of the best breakfasts you’ve ever had and it’s included with your room.”

In addition to the noteworthy breakfast and convenient location, The Blue Gate offers amenities such as an in-hotel ice cream and pizza parlor, a large patio with a firepit, an arcade, a large sitting area to congregate with family and friends, a basketball court, shuffleboard, a friendly staff, and “one of the biggest hotel pools you’ll find these days,” Rohrer adds.

“The Shipshewana Community as a whole does an amazing job extending hospitality to our guests,” he says. “If there is anything that is added specifically by the Blue Gate, I think over the years it’s been the ability of the Riegsecker family and the Blue Gate team to create new experiences like the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center or the Christmas Parade or even overthe-top photo opportunities with flowers, pumpkins or Christmas lights. We’re always looking for new ways to improve and make the time our guests spend with us just a little better and more meaningful.”

See the full concert schedule, book a hotel room, or learn more at thebluegate.com. ❚

The Blue Gate Garden Inn is located just a short walk from the performing arts center, making it a convenient option for out-of-town concert-goers.

Located in Shipshewana, The Blue Gate is known for its superior hospitality.

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.

Music on the Plaza

July 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Live music from “Whoa, Man!” and food trucks on site. A tent with chairs will be provided. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, (260) 421-1200, acpl.lib.in.us/music.

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.

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.