Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes
Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes
Distribution
Shop With Intention
Every holiday season, we’re reminded to “shop local,” especially in this magazine, which champions small businesses. But this year, the message feels more urgent.
Small businesses need our support.
They’re the storefronts that give our downtowns character, the restaurants that host our celebrations, and the boutiques where real people pour their creativity into their work. When we choose to spend our holiday dollars locally, we’re investing in the people and places that make our towns feel like home.
Even if you reallocate just one of your Amazon or Target purchases toward a local business instead, you’re making a difference.
Think about the bookstore where someone who loves reading just as much as you do will gladly spend 10 minutes recommending the perfect gift. Think about the barista who knows your kids by name (shout out to Erika!). These neighbors aren’t backed by giant corporations or national advertising campaigns. They rely on the steady, intentional support of the people who walk through their doors.
Shopping local strengthens our community. When you buy from a small business, more of your money stays in the local economy. A purchase from a local shop creates a ripple effect that touches the entire town. When you pick up a gift card from the family-run restaurant that sponsors your kid’s sports team, you’re helping keep people employed. Those dollars stay in our town, strengthening the very place we call home.
And beyond the economics, there’s a warmth to local shopping you simply can’t find online or in big-box stores. You get personal service, unique gifts and the knowledge that your purchase genuinely matters.
This season, as we navigate long lists and tight budgets, let’s be intentional. Let’s choose gifts with stories behind them.
Let’s show up for the businesses that show up for us all year long. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Big Savings This New Year’s on Furniture
By Peggy Werner
Shoppers looking to start the new year with big savings can find them at Ruhl Furniture and Flooring in New Haven, where a long-running New Year’s Day tradition is making its return.
After several years on pause due to post-pandemic staffing shortages, the store’s once-signature event is back, offering storewide discounts, special-order savings and markdowns on furniture, flooring, mattresses and accessories – with some items marked down as much as 50 percent.
In business for more than 70 years, Ruhl Furniture is a locally owned family business known for its dedication to honest service and quality craftsmanship.
“Our business is built on honesty, craftsmanship and the belief that customers should be treated like friends,” says owner John Pape. “We warmly welcome people, help them create a beautiful home, and stand behind what we sell.”
The New Year’s Day sale began years ago when John and his father, Bob, still worked side by side. The idea, he says, was simple: open the doors on a day when most other businesses are closed. The return of the tradition comes at a moment of growth for the company, including the addition of a third-generation family member.
Another milestone for the business is the hiring of John’s son, Logan, a recent Indiana University graduate who is now learning all aspects of operations.
“His arrival brings fresh energy and renewed excitement to the store, just in time for one of the business’s most beloved traditions,” John says. “He will make a great salesman and is one of the most honest people I know. I’m very proud of him.”
Logan will help expand the store’s custom furniture offerings, which now include American-made sofas by Lancer, Inc. of North Carolina. Customers can choose the wood, finish, upholstery, style, length, type of legs and more. The store is also adding dining and bedroom sets crafted by Amish manufacturers in Indiana and Ohio.
“Customers like the quality and knowing how their furniture is constructed, while meeting their specific needs,” John says.
With three full floors of inventory – furniture and accessories on the first, a complete flooring gallery on the second, and mattresses plus bedroom and dining collections on the third – Ruhl offers something for every room. Nearly 100 percent of the furniture they sell is American-made, and by the end of 2026, John says, everything will be.
Ruhl was recently honored as “small business of the year” by the New Haven Chamber of Commerce, an award determined by community votes.
“I’m very thankful. Customers have supported us for decades. They’ve trusted us with their homes and we don’t take that lightly,” John says. ❚
For more information, visit ruhlfurniture. com, call (260) 749-4717, or visit the store at 511 Broadway Street.
On Jan. 1, Ruhl Furniture and Flooring, in New Haven, is having storewide discounts, special order savings, and markdowns on furniture, flooring, mattresses and accessories.
Ruhl’s New Year’s Day sale returns after a post-pandemic pause. The family-owned business continues to grow with the addition of a third-generation family member.
The Christmas Story
The following is a portion of the Christmas Story from Luke chapter 2. Give yourself the gift of some quiet time this holiday to contemplate the greatest gift of all.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told ... ❚
-Janine Pumilia
The Francis Shoppe’s Legacy of Elegance
By Peggy Werner
Trendscome and go, but glamour never goes out of style at
The Francis Shoppe, 65 W. Market St., Wabash, Ind.
The business offers one of the largest selections in the area for mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom dresses as well as formal wear for any occasion. Customers receive special attention while in the store, which has an old-fashioned yet elegant, home-like atmosphere.
In addition to formal dresses, the store also carries quality sportswear, day dresses, slacks, tops, sweaters, coats, jewelry and accessories. Marjorie and Jack Francis opened the store in 1961, and ever since it has remained a locally owned family business for more than 60 years.
“When a woman leaves our store, her dress fits perfectly,” says Terri Francis-Ahlfeld, daughter of the store’s original owners and present-day owner. “We don’t buy a lot of the same gown because we don’t want women to see themselves coming and going, and we never sell the same dress to women going to the same wedding.”
Mother-of-the-bride gowns are formal, but they are unique in that they complement the overall style, theme and colors used in a wedding. They are never to be white and typically don’t match the colors in the wedding party. The Francis Shoppe has
a variety of fabric options and dress lengths available for such gowns.
Tea-length, midi or floor-length dresses are best for evening events, while knee-length or mid-calf are more suitable for lessformal daytime or semi-formal events, Terri Francis-Ahlfeld says. Dark colors are most popular for fall and winter, and today’s picks are often cranberry, sage, olive, and emerald green, she adds. Black, champagne and dark navy are top choices yearround, while pastels work best in the spring and summer. Floral prints, off-the-shoulder necklines and long or three-quarterlength sleeves are also trendy, Terri Francis-Ahlfeld says.
The store carries a large inventory of ready-to-wear dresses but can also custom design and custom order dresses.
A team of seamstresses tailor every dress before it goes out the door, Francis-Ahlfeld adds. She is serious about making every woman feel special. She likes to add special touches and has made a clutch purse and other items to match a dress with leftover fabric.
“We have always carried quality merchandise made from the best fabrics and in styles featuring clean and classic lines,” Francis-Ahlfeld says. “If you’re looking for something special and need help finding the right thing, this is the place to come.” ❚
Holiday Magic Across Northeast Indiana
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
It’s that time of year again – when northeast Indiana transforms into a winter wonderland of parades, concerts, light displays and cherished traditions. From Fort Wayne’s iconic downtown celebrations to small-town magic in Wabash, the region bursts with festive energy, offering visitors and locals alike a chance to rediscover the joy of the season. Whether you’re walking through a glowing park, catching a “Nutcracker” performance or sipping cocoa during a parade, these communities know how to celebrate the holidays with heart.
Fort Wayne
For generations, Fort Wayne has been the epicenter of holiday cheer in northeast Indiana.
“Fort Wayne has a longstanding history of kicking off the holiday season with ‘Night of Lights,’” says Jessa Campbell, di-
rector of destination development and communications for Visit Fort Wayne. “It dates back to the late 1930s and includes largerthan-life displays.”
The “Festival of Gingerbread” continues through Dec. 21.
Fort Wayne sparkles with Christmas cheer during the holidays. Events such as the “Night of Lights,” the “Festival of Trees” and the “Festival of Gingerbread” help locals and visitors alike create happy holiday memories.
(Visit Fort Wayne photo)
(Visit Fort Wayne photo)
Each year, thousands gather downtown the night before Thanksgiving to see the city come alive with glowing displays including the iconic “Merry Christmas Wreath” and “Santa and His Reindeer.” The lighting of eight displays marks the official start of the season, ushering in a flurry of classic events like the “Festival of Gingerbread” through Dec. 21 at The History Center and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 19.
Those looking to immerse themselves in light-filled fun will find plenty of options. “Fantasy of Lights” at Franke Park features more than 120 LED displays through Dec. 31, while “Parkview Field’s Holiday Light Display” offers more than a million lights synchronized to holiday music through Jan. 3.
New this year, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo joins the festivities with “Wild Lights” happening through Jan. 4.
“It will feature a million lights, a nightly tree lighting hosted by Santa’s elves, elf dance parties, reindeer, and rides on the Evergreen Express,” Campbell says.
For families looking for a free adventure, the Holiday Lights Challenge, available at visitfortwayne.com, maps out festive displays across the city — the perfect excuse for a cozy evening drive.
“The holiday season in Fort Wayne is one of the best times of the year,” Campbell adds. “Downtown is dressed up with decorations and lights, and it’s almost like you can feel the holiday cheer buzzing through the streets.”
Between the twinkling lights, local shops and cultural performances, Fort Wayne offers visitors a chance to create lasting memories.
“It’s always special here,” Campbell says. “You can take in our classic attractions like Science Central or the Botanical Conservatory and then add in a holiday show or light display for the full experience.”
Wabash
If Fort Wayne dazzles with spectacle, Wabash charms with smalltown warmth.
“Downtown Wabash is magical,” says Biz Bishop, content manager for Visit Wabash County. “The windows are beautifully decorated, the courthouse shines with lights – it feels like a Hallmark movie.”
The holiday season officially kicked off with the “Jingle Jubilee” on Nov. 21, a downtown celebration that ushered in the festive spirit with twinkling lights, music and community cheer. Throughout the rest of the season, lights transform the town’s parks and landmarks. “Lights at Paradise” through Dec. 25 illuminates Paradise Spring Historical Park, offering a tranquil spot for a winter stroll. Meanwhile, “Lights for Riley” through Dec. 25 shines bright in honor of Riley Hospital for Children.
But the most heartwarming event of all might be the “Jolly Trolley” on Dec. 13 – a moving celebration of storytelling, music and togetherness.
“It’s an incredibly fun activity for the whole family,” Bishop says. Riders climb aboard Trolley No. 85 with Mrs. Claus, who reads stories as the trolley travels from the Charley Creek Inn to New Song Church. Along the way, guests can meet Santa, enjoy a puppet show, make crafts with the Wabash Carnegie Library and indulge in hot cocoa and cookies from Bailey’s Pizza Parlor in Roann.
The journey ends with Christmas carols sung alongside Mrs. Claus, creating memories that last well beyond the season.
“Wabash offers a wide variety of locally owned shops and boutiques that make shopping for everyone on your list a breeze,” Bishop adds. “It’s the perfect place to slow down, take in the beauty of the lights and really savor the holidays.” ❚
“Lights at Paradise” through Dec. 25 illuminates Paradise Spring Historical Park, in Wabash, offering a tranquil spot for a winter stroll.
Wabash County’s “Jolly Trolley” event, happening Dec. 13, is fun for the whole family. Guests can meet Santa, make crafts and indulge in hot cocoa.
(Visit Wabash County photo)
(Visit Wabash County photo)
Tradition Meets Taste at Yoder Crossroads
By Peggy Werner
ust outside Shipshewana, Ind., Yoder Crossroads has become a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the region. Russ and Allyse Yoder own the bustling complex, which houses three of their well-known businesses under one roof: Yoder Popcorn, Corn Crib Café and Five Lakes. Together, these shops offer a mix of local flavor and hospitality that draws steady crowds in a city already known as a major tourist destination.
“Moving Yoder Popcorn, our primary business, to town from the country was the original vision,” Allyse says.
Yoder Popcorn’s roots trace back to 1936, when Rufus Yoder first launched the business. In 1999, Russ Yoder and his parents purchased the company, becoming the third and fourth generations to own and operate it. Nearly two decades later, in 2018, Russ and his wife, Allyse, took over as his parents prepared for retirement – a transition that sparked the couple’s plans to relocate the business closer to Shipshewana.
“This soon proved to be an overwhelmingly good decision,” Allyse says. “The retail store tripled in size but still offers all of the same great hospitality and quality product.”
The scent of freshly popped corn greets visitors at Yoder Popcorn, where each customer receives a complimentary sample of the signature Tiny Tender White variety upon arrival. Inside, shelves are lined with nine types of popcorn, a range of popping oils, a dozen seasoning blends and all the essentials for crafting the perfect batch at home.
Just 10 miles from the store, Russ farms 2,000 acres, dedicating 400 of them to the Premium and Tiny Tender varieties. The remaining popcorn is sourced from other Indiana growers. Among the shop’s most sought-after kernels are the Tiny Tender, prized for being nearly hulless; Premium Yellow; and the Ladyfinger, a completely hulless variety.
Yoder Popcorn also caters to gift-givers and large events, offering decorative tins, custom gift baskets for individuals or corporate clients, bulk orders for schools and special occasions, and gift cards. Freshly made caramel corn and popcorn are bagged daily and stocked on the shelves, ready for customers seeking a quick grab-and-go treat.
Yoder Crossroads is a must-visit complex of stores in Shipshewana, Ind. The flagship business, Yoder Popcorn, carries all the popcorn essentials.
“People and their relatives have been enjoying our product and service year after year and say no other product compares to Yoder Popcorn,” Allyse says. “Russ and I are trying to maintain this tradition and expectation that has been built by the previous Yoder generations.”
The Yoders also launched two additional ventures, Corn Crib Café and Five Lakes Coffee, born from their love of good food and encouragement from friends.
The Corn Crib Café is a cozy eatery known for its homemade daily specials and commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients. The menu features an array of distinctive breakfast and lunch options, available for dine-in or carryout, along with gift cards, boxed lunches and freshly baked Amish pies and cookies. Many dishes are served with house-made bread, while meats – never frozen – are seasoned or marinated for rich flavor. Unique salads and creative side dishes round out the offerings, making the café a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Five Lakes Coffee became part of the Yoders’ lineup after coffee-loving friends suggested the need for an early-morning drive-thru in the area. The franchise sources premium coffee beans from around the world, roasting them in small batches at its facility in Sturgis to ensure optimal freshness and flavor. Known for its smooth, robust brews, the shop serves hot, iced and frozen beverages alongside breakfast bagel sandwiches and a selection of fresh-baked goods.
Other businesses located at Yoder Crossroads include Salon 4, a hair salon, Paige’s Books, a used bookstore, and two medical offices.
Yoder Crossroads is located at 0920 N. State Road 5, Shipshewana. Each business’s hours vary. ❚
Five Lakes Coffee and The Corn Crib Café round out the Yoder’s businesses in Shipshewana.
Finding Real Answers to Health Concerns
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
For people frustrated with rushed appointments or treatment plans that focus only on symptoms, Functional Medicine Partners offers a different path.
Led by Dr. Carol A. White, APRN, ANPC, GNPC – nurse practitioner and CEO of Functional Medicine Partners – the practice is built on a philosophy of slowing down, digging deeper and finding the true causes behind a patient’s health concerns. The clinic, located at 602 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is filling a gap in care that many in Northeast Indiana struggled to find elsewhere.
“Functional medicine is fundamentally about identifying root causes instead of simply managing symptoms,” White explains. “Usually, when you’re going the traditional route, you’re going to somebody who is just treating a symptom of an illness. Whereas if you’re going to functional medicine, you’re actually looking for what’s causing you to be ill.”
That process takes time and often includes more advanced or comprehensive lab work. Insurance rarely covers functional medicine services, but patients often use Health Savings Accounts to help offset costs. The initial appointment is $249, not including lab work.
White’s path to functional medicine grew out of decades of experience in traditional medicine. She originally worked in long-term care, primary care and even free-clinic settings. She loved working with adult and geriatric patients, but found the system increasingly restrictive. Prior authorizations, staffing shortages and limited appointment times made it harder to deliver the level of care she believed patients deserved.
At the same time, she found herself on the other side of the exam room, struggling to find anyone willing or able to help her address her own hormone-related issues.
“I tried to find a provider in the Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana area, and I couldn’t find anyone,” she says.
The experience convinced her there was a deep need for functional medicine locally. She pursued additional certification and eventually opened Functional Medicine Partners, where she now provides the type of care she once struggled to receive.
Visits begin with a free 15-minute discovery call. From there, lab testing and a detailed physical exam help White identify what’s driving a patient’s concerns. Many people come seeking hormone replacement therapy, an area White says is finally receiving clearer understanding. Others come for weight loss support, which at Functional Medicine Partners is approached from a multidisciplinary perspective.
“That’s one way the practice distinguishes itself,” White says. “In addition to medical consultations, patients can meet with one of our two dietitians, a personal trainer and a counselor.”
Subscription plans include personalized meal planning and grocery lists, weekly training sessions either in person or via telehealth, and access to tools like the clinic’s infrared bodyscanning machine. Starting in January 2026, Functional Medicine Partners will also offer salt therapy and infrared sauna services.
Beyond treatment, White wishes more people understood that feeling better doesn’t always mean getting better.
“Their illness may still be progressing, but they’re masking the symptoms with additional medicine,” she says. “Functional medicine aims to uncover what’s really happening, before symptoms become something more serious.”
Most of all, she feels grateful to offer this type of care where it wasn’t readily available.
“I really felt like God put me in this place at this time for this reason,” she says.
And, she emphasizes that functional medicine is more than supplements or holistic trends. Quality matters, and patients should always check that their supplements are pharmaceutical grade.
“You may be spending money on vitamins or supplements at Costco or CVS and not doing your body any good,” she notes.
For anyone curious about whether functional medicine might be the right fit, White offers simple advice: book that discovery call.
“It doesn’t cost you anything to do that,” she says. “We’ll get on a video chat, we’ll look at what your symptoms are, we’ll look at what you’re thinking, and then we’ll decide together if it’s right for you.”
For more information, call (877) 241-7367 or visit functionalmedicinepartners.com. ❚
Dr. Carol A. White
Charcuterie Boards for Holiday Hosting
When holiday occasions call for you to don your hosting cap, skip complicated appetizers and hors d’oeuvres to instead serve sustainable charcuterie with sommelier-approved wine pairings. After all, simplicity can still equal premium flavor with the right meats, cheeses and libations.
It doesn’t take a hosting expert or pairing professional to create a spread that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Charcuterie boards made with just a few ingredients can start the festivities on a high note by wowing loved ones with your pairing prowess.
Match the selection of meats – like prosciutto, genoa salame or capocollo in these recipes – with complementary cheeses and accents such as crostini, olives or even thyme-infused honey for an extra special touch. Finally, find the perfect bottle of wine for each board to round out a palate-pleasing spread that suits each guest’s preferred pairing profile.
With flavor, sustainability and a personal touch, charcuterie can bring holiday occasions to life for you and your loved ones.
Visit NimanRanch.com to find more seasonal inspiration and charcuterie solutions.
Prosciutto, Sottocenere and Aligote
Niman Ranch Prosciutto
Firm cheese, such as Sottocenere
Toasted crostini
Aligote wine
On a cheese board or platter, arrange buttery, silky prosciutto with Sottocenere, a firm cheese speckled with black truffle, or any firm cheese striped with dill or paprika or washed in ale. To round out these savory flavors, pair with Aligote, a white burgundy from France that’s citrusy but refined with hints of green apple and honeydew.
Genoa Salame, Vintage Grand Ewe and Syrah
Niman Ranch Genoa Salame
Aged, firm sheep’s cheese, such as Vintage Grand Ewe
Olives
Syrah wine
On a cheese board or platter, arrange genoa salame, featuring the rich flavors pulled from the spices and wine used in its making. Pair with an aged, firm sheep’s cheese such as Vintage Grand Ewe, with notes of toasted almond, maple syrup and cultured butter. The sweetness of the cheese gives way to the genoa salame to be the star. Finish the board with skewered olives and serve with an unfussy red wine low in tannins like Syrah.
Capocollo, Aged Cheddar, Thyme Honey and Txakoli
Niman Ranch Capocollo
Aged sharp cheddar cheese
Thyme-infused honey
Txakoli wine
Start your cheese board or platter with savory capocollo laced with pockets of cured fat that balance out the meat. Its mild smokiness works well with an aged sharp cheddar for a salty, intriguing but complementary match. Serve with a side of thymeinfused honey for herbaceous sweetness. Pair with Txakoli, a dry Spanish wine that’s easy to drink with hints of salt and pinesap. ❚
Source: Family Features
Food, Fun & Hospitality at Essenhaus
By Peggy Werner
The Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury is more than a restaurant – it’s a “pleasant surprise in the country,” says Joel Miller, campus manager.
“When people arrive here, they see a park, lots of flowers, beautiful landscaping, a courtyard, playground, four gift shops, a bakery, a covered bridge, an Inn with a pool, two ponds and a walking path that connects to other paths covering 20 miles – all on 35 acres of land,” he says. “It’s a place where you can spend a whole day, not just have a meal.”
The newest addition to the property – a fully renovated building –opened this month and now features six indoor, air-conditioned pickleball courts.
The restaurant seats up to 1,000 people and serves Amishstyle food, many of the same recipes used when it opened in 1971.
Everything is homemade.
Mashed potatoes are made with real potatoes, milk and butter. All the breads and pie crusts are homemade from scratch. The Amish noodles are made right on the property and are available to purchase on site and in grocery stores around the country.
People dining at the restaurant have multiple options, including ordering from the menu, serving themselves from the buffet Monday through Saturday, or enjoying family-style dining from 3-8 p.m. Friday and noon-8 p.m. Saturday. A banquet room accommodates 15-220 people.
In the traditional Amish style, the restaurant believes in taking care of its employees and customers. They want everyone
who comes to the restaurant to experience the time-honored tradition of sharing a meal with friends and loved ones.
“We are a hospitality company and we are all about getting people connected,” Miller says. “We want people who come here to feel at home and share all we have to offer with loved ones and friends.”
Whatever option customers choose, they get to enjoy the Amish time-tested recipes. The most popular dishes include anything made with a pot roast-style beef and chicken that is marinated and deep fried.
“It’s hard to beat,” Miller says.
Amish foods are homemade with items from the garden with real, quality ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream and lots of real butter, Miller adds.
Breakfast menu items include eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, choices of meat, biscuits and gravy and more. A couple signature dishes include stuffed French toast topped with fruit, and the Middlebury Breakfast made with two biscuits and home fries covered in sausage gravy. The Breakfast Scramble is made with scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage gravy, cheese, green pepper, spinach, mushrooms and choice of bacon, sausage or ham – all served in a warm tortilla.
Lunch favorites include Chicken Pot Pie with homemade crust, homemade egg noodles and beef over mashed potatoes, creamed chicken and biscuits and more. Dinner features broasted chicken, smoked roast pork, cod, salmon, baked steak, homemade meatloaf with a signature sauce and more. All salads come with a homemade dressing, three soups are offered daily, and a variety of sandwiches and desserts complete the menu. ❚
For more information, visit essenhaus.com.
Everything is homemade at The Das Dutchman Essenhaus, in Middlebury. Mashed potatoes, in particular, are made from scratch with real potatoes, milk and butter.
As an Amish establishment, Das Dutchman promises quality ingredients.
Fort Wayne Komets
Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Games are at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2023-2024 schedule.
I Love Saturdays at Club Room at The Clyde
Enjoy the best in pop, soul, R&B and funk every Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at the Club Room at the Clyde, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Visit clydeclubroom.com/live to see the complete lineup of performers.
Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights
Thru Dec. 31, Sun.-Th. 5-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. to 10 p.m. This magical 3-mile drive-through light show features several new displays lighting up the night. Franke Park, 1750 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne, bluejacketinc.org.
Parkview Field Holiday Lights
Thru Jan. 3, gates open 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 5:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Holiday Lights is a walkthrough experience of the ballpark featuring more than 1.5 million lights and displays, plus a train ride, choreographed to holiday music. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne, milb.com.
Eat Well, Play Well Exhibit
Thru Jan. 4, recurring daily. This interactive exhibit allows visitors to see what appropriate serving sizes look like, experience what it takes to burn off calories, review the latest clinical research and more. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, sciencecentral.org.
Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo Thru Jan. 4, Sun.-Th. 5-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. to 11
Entertainment & Events
p.m. Meet Santa, walk among a dazzling display of lights, attend a dance party and nightly treelighting, ride the Evergreen Express, decorate sugar cookies and even get nose-to-nose with Santa’s reindeer. Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwzoo.com/event/.
Headwaters Park Ice Skating
Thru Feb. 22, Mon.-Fri. 4-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. noon-9 p.m. Festive decorations surround the rink, and music plays throughout the day. Concessions, including hot chocolate, are available. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6000.
Fort Wayne Ballet’s “Nutcracker” Dec. 5-14, see website for times. Embrace the
joy of the holiday season as Fort Wayne Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. Arts United Center, 303 East Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.
Straight No Chaser Holiday Road Tour
Dec. 12, 8 p.m. A cappella group Straight No Chaser is back sharing the joy, “dad jokes” and songs of the season. The Holiday Road Tour is a nod to the theme song of the cult classic film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Holiday Pops
Dec. 18-21, Th. & Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Cherished traditions and festive melodies come together to usher in the joyous spirit of the season. Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwphil.org.
A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley (a.k.a. Ralphie!)
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with a screening of the beloved film “A Christmas Story” followed by a moderated interview and audience Q&A from its iconic star Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
Rumble In Fort Wayne
Dec. 19 & 20, 7 p.m. An indoor racing tradition that planted its roots in 1956 returns to Fort Wayne. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, rumbleinfortwayne.com. ❚
Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights is a magical 3-mile drive-through experience featuring several new displays lighting up the night. The annual tradition continues through Dec. 31 at Franke Park.
“Holiday Lights” at Parkview Field transforms the ballpark into a dazzling walk-through wonderland featuring more than 1.5 million lights, festive displays, a train ride and holiday music. (Visit Fort Wayne photos)
