Smart Living Fort Wayne - March 2024

Spring is in the Air

Well, I’m officially back from maternity leave!

Life with a newborn and a toddler is chaotic, and let’s just say when it comes to this column, typing one-handed in my Notes App has become the new normal. My “writing process” is changing, but I’m happy to make it work.

I find that daily jaunts outside with both kiddos in tow has helped all of us to sleep better during the night. Nothing compares to fresh air to give my spirit a boost. And now that the winter weather is quickly fading, I can’t help but find myself looking around the house for spring cleaning tasks and desired home improvement projects. (Will anything major get done this year? No, probably not. But hopefully my husband and I can complete some smaller projects).

Springtime is a busy season for local florists, nurseries, home centers and hardware stores, but these businesses are used to an influx of customers this time of year. Thus, now’s a great time to evaluate your home. Do the gutters need cleaning? Does the backyard need a new fire pit or some general TLC? What about the roof, or the siding on your house? And that’s just your home’s exterior. Inside your house, do you have a bathroom that needs an upgrade, or a kitchen that begs for improvement?

We’re proud at Smart Living Magazine to highlight wonderful local businesses that stand by their work. Every time you read an article in our “Home & Garden” section, you can bet you’re reading about a local business that offers superior customer service in addition to a job well done.

All of the sudden, something I’d typically find boring (like, sorry, a story about gutters) suddenly becomes more interesting. And it’s because these local business owners exude passion for their work and improving their customer’s lives.

Whatever you need done around the house, we hope you find great resources in this magazine.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

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A Mother’s Strength

Stories of grieving mothers seem always to be in the news, pulling deeply at our hearts. Such tragedies bring to mind Jochebed, mother of three Biblical giants — Moses, Aaron and Miriam. According to Jewish tradition, this clever woman not only loved her own children, but was a caring midwife. She descended from Jacob, who God called “Israel.” Imagine her terror and heartbreak when the Egyptian pharaoh, fearing a population explosion of Jews, ordered all Jewish male infants killed.

“The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, ‘When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.’ The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, ‘Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?’

The midwives answered Pharaoh, ‘Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.’” -- (Exodus 1:15-19).

Jochebed hid her own beautiful infant son for three months before crafting the watertight basket that would safely float him on the Nile into the hands of Pharaoh’s daughter. At the moment Jochebed let go, she didn’t know she’d soon be called to nurse him and be part of his life well into adulthood.

Imagine how frightening it was to release her beloved infant into a river full of hazards. Imagine the moment she opened her fingers and released the basket. In desperation, but also in faith, she made the decision to trust God to be her son’s No. 1 protector. In so doing, history unfolded in a way that led not only Moses to freedom, but all of Israel.

Many a desperate mother is engulfed by terror when her own strength is insufficient to protect her child. And many an overconfident mother mistakenly believes her strength alone is sufficient for her child. All mothers can learn from Jochebed, who knew that God alone was her child’s deliverer -- and her own. ❚

-- Janine Pumilia

Plan Your Next Road Trip With Sullivan RV

By Peggy Werner

It’s that time of year when people start thinking about getting away from home, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring new places. Many of those travelers will take to the road in a recreational vehicle (RV) – an affordable home away from home – with total freedom in mind.

“A lot of the appeal is for those people who are afraid of the dangers of traveling. With an RV, you can have your own possessions with you and travel at your own pace, without having to check in and out of hotels. It makes a world of difference for those who like to travel,” says Rick Sullivan, president of Sullivan RV Supercenter in Decatur, Ind.

Sullivan’s specializes in RV sales, service and parts. Dozens of new and used vehicles are on display and for sale in the showroom and on the grounds at the annual spring open house.

This year’s event is from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 22 and 23 at Sullivan’s, 7982 N US Hwy 27. Popcorn, hot dogs and drinks are available at no cost.

People are drawn to the open house each year, whether they want to buy a new or used RV, or whether they just want to see what new features and models are available today, Sullivan says. Event-goers can also get acquainted with what services the business offers.

New buyers at the open house can get six-month free storage of their vehicle. Sullivan’s also offers free delivery up to 100 miles on any new model purchased at the open house.

Some of the newest features people can see at the open house are models with more slide-out extensions, larger kitchens, and bunk beds for children.

RVing is popular with young families wanting to get away for an affordable weekend vacation. Larger diesel and gas-powered motorhomes are for long-term travel – three to six months at a time – which has more appeal for those who are retired and have more time to spend on the road, Sullivan observes. People will be surprised to see RV prices coming down, he adds.

During the pandemic, RVs were selling for top dollar because manufacturers couldn’t keep up with the demand. Sullivan sold everything he had in the showroom for the full retail price and wasn’t able to restock.

“Everyone was afraid of flying and being around other people, so they could be on the move in the privacy of their own RV, sleep in their own beds, and social distance at the same time,” he recalls.

Sullivan began hosting open houses, usually twice a year, since 2005, always following his participation in the Fort Wayne RV & Camping show, which was held this year February 1-3 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. He designs flyers and other marketing materials for the show in hopes that those interested will come to his open houses in the early and late spring.

“The open house is an opportunity for people to look, feel and try out the features, while being able to ask questions and talk to experts about the equipment,” he says. ▮

Sullivan RV Supercenter, in Decatur, specializes in RV sales, service and parts. Dozens of new and used vehicles will be for sale and on display at this year’s open house on March 22 and 23.

During the pandemic, RVs sold for top dollar due to high demand. says Rick Sullivan, president of Sullivan RV Supercenter. Prices have now cooled off, he adds.

Wabash Museum Has New, Relaxing Space

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Amuseum is oftentimes an exciting, educational space. But, just as with any public place, it can also become overwhelming due to features such as motion-triggered exhibits or loud noises.

That’s why it was important for Teresa Galley, executive director of the Wabash County Museum, 36 E. Market St., Wabash, to create a new and permanent “sensory quiet zone” for all visitors to relax.

The new exhibit, called “The Meadow,” is an accommodating space for museum guests who experience sensory overload

or guests who simply want to spend time in a calm environment.

“‘The Meadow’ offers comfy seating, several calm activities, and a relaxing atmosphere,” Galley says. “The area features three 7-foot-tall trees and other custom woodwork that creates the feeling that you have just discovered a meadow in the middle of a forest.”

Planning for the exhibit started in the fall of 2021 when Galley invited an autism specialist to assess the museum to help better accommodate guests with sensory challenges.

“One of the outcomes of the assessment was the creation of a quiet space with lower lighting, softer materials and quiet activities,” Galley says.

“The theme was selected because of the relaxing feeling you get when wandering through the woods and you come across a meadow where birds are chirping and, if you’re quiet enough, you may find a woodland creature or two,” she adds.

A sign posted in the exhibit explains the area and its purpose. There are several sensory-friendly activities including a fiber-optic waterfall with felted wool stones beneath, soft rugs, natural wood blocks, a magnetic wall with blocks and gears, and adorable wooden animals. Guests have told Galley they feel calm and relaxed the minute they step into the space.

The exhibit contains child- and adult-flexible seat-

The Wabash Museum has a new “sensory quiet zone” where guests can go for reprieve. The area intends to evoke feelings of discovering a meadow or forest.

ing, as well as soft green rugs that invite visitors to sit or even lay down on the floor.

The cushion seating can also be used as a tabletop to build blocks or play with the wooden animals, Galley adds.

“We’ve tried to create a relaxing space, and our guests tell us we have done just that,” she says. “Our research shows that one in six people in Indiana are impacted by sensory issues in some way. Creating a space where guests with sensory challenges can go to connect is important to our mission. This type of space is also unique to our area, and we are proud to lead in an area that responds to the needs of everyone in our community.”

The nature-inspired exhibit additionally has a tie to Wabash County’s history. Wabash County is home to the 950-acre Salamonie River State Forest, located along the Salamonie River and home to Salamonie Lake. The area offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

“Salamonie River State Forest was created as a demonstration riverside forest for the reclamation of eroded land,” Galley explains. “The state forest was established in the mid-1930’s when local people assisted the state in purchasing the hilly land and bluffs along the Salamonie River. Most of the land’s topsoil was eroded away, making reclamation of the area a major challenge.”

A 200-member Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sprang into action by designing and planning the forest and recreation facilities, in addition to opening a stone quarry. As a result, several hundred acres of land have been reforested, and many recreation facilities now exist, including a large stone shelter house that stands near Hominy Ridge Lake.

Educating visitors about Wabash’s history through state-ofthe-art exhibits and engaging programming is all part of the museum’s mission. Next month, the museum will begin a special early morning “Sensory Quiet Hour” with more details coming soon. In addition, “Pop-Up Mini Golf” will be back for the entire month of April with a regulation 9-hole miniature golf course decorated for spring. The course runs through the museum, and the cost to play is included with admission.

“We invite you to come spend a day, or more, in Wabash County,” Galley adds. “Visit the museum and then head down the block to enjoy some of our amazing shops and restaurants, visit the gallery or see a show at the Honeywell Center, and explore the many other amenities that make us proud to call Wabash home. Wabash is an excellent day trip from Allen County.”

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission costs $6 for visitors ages 13 to 59 and $4 for seniors ages 60 and older and children ages 2 to 12. Veterans, active military duty, and children under age 2 can enter free. Various membership options are also available.▮

For more information, visit wabashmuseum.org or call (260) 563-9070.

The new exhibit has ties to Wabash County’s past, since several hundred acres of local land have been reforested.

“The Meadow” has been in the works since the fall of 2021, when Wabash County Museum Executive Director Teresa Galley consulted an autism specialist to assess the museum for ways to better accommodate guests with sensory challenges.

Get Fired Up at The BBQ Store and More

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

First-time customers to The BBQ Store and More, 17007 Doty Road in New Haven, Ind., will certainly find plenty of grills and accessories. What may surprise them is just how much is included in the “and more.”

“Our slogan is ‘Your backyard headquarters,” says Darren Schmuker, the store’s manager. “We do anything pertaining to your backyard.”

And he does mean anything. Firepits, swing sets and patio furniture are all a part of The BBQ Store and More’s inventory. The Schmuker family’s background in construction also makes the store a go-to for indoor and outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and structures like gazebos, pergolas and pavilions.

“We’ve been in construction for 30 years and we’ve sold barbecuing equipment for 25 years,” says Sam Schmuker, Darren’s father and the co-owner of The BBQ Store and More. “With having experience in different trades, it’s very helpful when it comes to relating to the customer.”

With decades of building experience under their belt, the Schmukers can make a customer’s backyard project come together fairly quickly.

“From time of order until installation, it takes about five to six weeks,” says Darren.

With that said, a little information from the customer can go a long way.

“Let us know how much space you have,” Darren advises. “That way, we know what we can offer and how we can serve you better.”

When it comes to grills and other backyard appliances, The BBQ Store and More is seeing a big uptick of outdoor

griddles and pizza ovens, making outdoor cooking a more diversified experience.

“Not only are you putting a grill into your outdoor kitchen, but you’re also seeing a lot more items to expand your ability to host,” Darren says.

One grilling item in particular is capturing attention at The BBQ Store and More. The Big Green Egg is a versatile outdoor cooker that’s described as a complete outdoor cooking system.

“The Big Green Egg is basically a one-stop shop,” says Darren. “It can do things a lot of other grills can’t do. It can be used at high heat to sear steaks, or you can set it at 225 degrees to do an 18-hour low and slow cook, not to mention baking desserts, pizzas and more.”

To celebrate Big Green Egg, The BBQ Store and More hosts its annual BGE Fest this June 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s an event where egg-sperts fire up dozens of Big Green Eggs to grill a variety of dishes, and visitors can take advantage of delicious samples and savings.

“It’s somewhat of an open house, so we’ll offer 10% storewide discounts,” says Darren. “Cookers cook up all kinds of samples, from breakfast foods in the morning to every type of meat available.”

A tradition at The BBQ Store and More since 2008, BGE Fest has become a popular event. But Darren doesn’t just sell Big Green Eggs. He’s also a passionate owner.

“I love to grill and I couldn’t live without my Big Green Egg,” he says.

To learn more or to preorder your own Big Green Egg, visit thebbqst.com or call (260) 632-0620. ▮

Easy Easter Eats to Make Hosting Simple

Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. After all, Easter is a time meant for fun and fellowship with the food just one part of the celebration.

Building the menu around simple, one-pan dishes can keep the focus where it needs to be: spending time and creating memories with family and friends. These dishes call for short lists of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, and simple preparation to create a full spread perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, using only one pan makes cleanup a breeze, so you can get back to the festivities quickly.

A dish like this Easter Roast lets you check both the main course and side dishes off your list, relying on the oven to do most of the work for you after some quick prep work. Similarly easy to prepare, these Refrigerator Rolls can also be made up to six days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake – a perfect complement to the savory roast and veggies.

For more Easter recipe inspiration, visit culinary.net.

Easter Roast

Salt

pepper

garlic powder

1 roast (3 pounds)

1 bag (1 pound) baby carrots

1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) trio potatoes or potato of choice

3 cups beef broth

1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

1 tablespoon garlic pepper

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 onion, roughly chopped

1 bundle asparagus

Preheat oven to 350 F. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder over roast and rub into front, back and sides. Place seasoned roast in middle of large roasting pan. Place carrots on one side of roasting pan and potatoes on other side. In large bowl, mix beef broth and cream of mushroom soup with garlic pepper. Pour mixture over roast, potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle brown sugar over carrots and add chopped onion. Cover and cook 2 1/2 hours; then remove from oven, add asparagus and cook uncovered 30 minutes. Serve from pan or place on platter for more formal presentation.

Refrigerator Rolls

Yield: 18 rolls

2 packages yeast

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups lukewarm water

6-7 cups all-purpose flour, divided

2 teaspoons salt

2 eggs

1 stick softened butter

oil, divided

In large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. When yeast is foamy, add 3 cups flour. Mix in salt, eggs and butter. Once mixed well, add remaining flour 1 cup at a time and knead dough into ball in bowl. Remove dough from bowl and place on clean surface. Wash and dry bowl then grease with drizzle of oil. Place dough in bowl and let rise 1 hour or store in refrigerator if making in advance. When ready to use, grease muffin pan with oil. Roll dough into hand-size balls and place in each muffin hole; cover 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake rolls 30 minutes.

Note: Dough can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator up to six days. If making ahead, punch down dough, cover and place in refrigerator. Punch down daily until ready to use. ❚

Source: Family Features

A Remodeling Business With Amish Values

By Peggy Werner

Amember of the Amish Community, Aaron Lengacher has merged his lifelong passion, natural skills, and faith to start a new business.

A-1 Remodeling and More of Auburn, Ind., specializes in decks, room additions, garages, windows and doors, blinds and shades, and more.

“What’s important to me is that I am serving people,” Lengacher says. “My focus has always been on helping people. A jack of all trades, I took advantage of an opportunity to go into business for myself. I have the experience and skills and love what I do.”

Since he was 15 years old, he worked alongside his uncle, who was a carpenter and home builder. He also worked for building and remodeling companies before launching off on his own.

So far, the most requested projects are for an additional garage or deck, and the wait time for a job to begin is about one week, once a bid is accepted, he says. He charges by the day, saying his prices are reasonable and he will work within any budget. He has a large inventory of pictures, showing work he has done for people in the area.

Going into business for himself is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“It’s been a Godsend,” he says. “I’m staying busy. Every couple of days, I’ll get a phone call. Just today, I got three calls and will go out to bid on those jobs,” he says.

Being Amish, he doesn’t depend on a website and doesn’t have an email address. Most of his referrals are by word of mouth, and having faith the word will travel.

“We depend on God to lead us through each day. I always thank God for a new day and ask Him to lead me. He has never failed me,” Lengacher says.

He adheres to the core Amish values, aiming for the goal of leading a simple life of faith. The Amish believe their religious faith and the way they choose to live are interdependent. Their core beliefs have to do with faith, family, community and simplicity.

The Amish believe living simply is a sign of humility, and they take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themselves from worldly things, Lengacher adds. By living simply and restricting access to unnecessary items like fancy clothes, television, electronics and other devices, they keep the world from intruding into their lives, keeping their focus on family and faith.

Married and the father of three children, Lengacher hopes to have a father-and-son business one day. Currently, he is working on getting licensed as a general contractor. For most projects, he works alone, but he subcontracts workers for bigger jobs.

“I plan on growing and doing more and bigger projects,” he says.

To see samples of his work, hear references, or schedule an appointment for a free consultation and estimate, call (260) 433-5254. ❚

A-1 Remodeling and More, of Auburn, Ind., specializes in decks, room additions, garages, windows and doors, blinds and shades, and more. Owner Aaron Lengacher handles each project.

Amish values power A-1 Remodeling. In fact, the business doesn’t have a website and instead depends on word-of-mouth referrals and faith in the Lord to provide.

Find Relief With Reputable CBD Oils

By Peggy Werner

Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, is extracted from hemp plants from the Cannabis Sativa family and has shown to help people battling chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other conditions.

Curtis Smith, co-owner of 7CBD Store, 212 N. Main St., Roanoke, Ind., says not all CBD products are the same. His store specializes in Med 7 and Pur 7 products, which are made from federally and state certifiedand-tested growers using specialized methods to produce the highest quality natural products for humans and animals. They are the only products with eight clinical studies backing them up and have U.S. patents for clinical use and sleep.

“We hear from people how much it helps them and how fast it works, and there are no major side effects we’re aware of,” Smith says. “A lot of people can find relief from their symptoms if they give it a try.”

Made with Purzorb® technology, Med 7’s Hempzorb81™ full spectrum hemp CBD oil is “the fastest and highest bioavailability, making it the most effective CBD on the market,” according to the manufacturer’s website. Purzorb® converts oil-based ingredients into ones that are water soluble without changing their structure or losing efficacy, making them much easier to absorb into the body and at a much faster rate than regular oils.

CBD sold across the country without “THC” is typically made from industrial hemp, which is low in THC and high in CBD. THC is the cannabinoid that provides the high in marijuana and is a restricted drug in parts of the country.

Although the Food and Drug Administration recognizes CBD as a supplement and not as a medicine, CBD is gaining recognition for its health benefits, Smith says.

CBD is constantly being tested and studied for its role in pain management, sleep and relaxation, inflammatory responses, cognitive function, anti-anxiety, Covid treatment, memory, appetite suppression, movement disorders including seizures, ADHD, and more.

When purchasing CBD products, customers need to know what they are buying by researching the manufacturer and the quality of the plants being used, how they are grown and harvested, and how the CBD is extracted. A Certificate of Analysis breaks down what other ingredients are in a product and its level

of purity, Smith says, adding that a reputable company has a link on their website or a QR code on their products to see the results of the test batch.

Lesser-quality products that people find ineffective are usually because the product doesn’t contain much CBD or is of poor quality, Smith adds. And, although many people are helped by the products and have experienced drastic improvement, CBD doesn’t work for everyone.

“While CBD has shown to have many benefits, some physical and/or mental-related issues require something beyond the natural benefits found in hemp oil,” he says.

7CBD Store has a “satisfaction guarantee” and will give customers a full refund if the unused portion of the product is returned within 60 days of purchase.

CBD is available in both topical and ingestible forms. Smith recommends using both for the greatest benefit, especially for muscle aches and soreness.

The Sports and Recover Cream, Med 7 Healing Gel and roll-ons are designed to be directly applied to the skin and area where there is soreness. They have shown to be effective with daily use, he says.

Any person with a medical condition should consult their doctor before using CBD, Smith adds.

“We use the information from our clinical studies to inform our customers and medical professionals, so they can make an educated decision when choosing the best natural products,” he says. ❚

7CBD Store in Roanoke carries high-quality, nautral products that may help with ailments and pains.

Simple Steps to Beautify Your Bathroom

By Peggy Werner

Updating your bathroom is a great way to enhance your home.

Kevin Walsh, owner of Trinity Home Center in New Haven, and interior design consultant Dana Knueve, see many trends that help to make the bathroom safer and more aesthetically pleasing and functional.

There are many things to consider when remodeling your bathroom. Changes big and small can totally transform this much-used space.

“You have to think about what you want to change, in what order, and your budget,” he says.

Changing the hardware and countertops can drastically improve the look of a bathroom, while a tile shower, multiple shower heads, hand-held faucets, seating, and body sprays can create a spa-like experience. Other luxurious amenities include LED-lighted mirrors, quiet exhaust fans with chromatic lighting and built-in speakers, heated floors and towel bars, atmospheric lighting and sound systems.

Homeowners should focus on the ultimate goal they want to achieve.

“People want to stay in their homes longer,” Walsh says. “We can help with that by putting more safety measures in place for them.”

Eliminating the step into a shower, while adding grab bars, a built-in seat, and faucets that are easier to use can all add to a safer experience in the shower or bath. Slippery shower floors can be transformed with smaller tiles, which have more grout lines for a rougher surface. Linear drains provide a flatter surface for balance and keep the shower floor free of soap and water. A hand-held shower head allows a person to sit or stand.

Trinity has four designers on staff; two work exclusively with kitchens and baths. They offer free home visits and help homeowners achieve the results they want.

Trinity Home Center services people living within a 50-mile radius of the business and its 8,000-square-foot showroom where there are displays of vanities, tubs, showers, faucets and lighting. The team is licensed and insured in Indiana and has installers who have regularly worked with the company for many years.

To speak with a designer at Trinity Home Center, call (260) 493-2574. ❚

Fort Wayne Komets Hockey

Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2024 schedule.

Nashville Thursdays

Ongoing, Thurs. 7-10 p.m. Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 747-0989, clydeclubroom.com.

Botanical Speedway

Through April 7, during conservatory hours. Kids pedal through a tropical racetrack in pint-sized cars. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440, botanicalconservatory.org.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market

Through April 27, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more. 1501 E. Berry Street, Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket.

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Thru Sept. 8, opening day is April 9. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and spectacles including fireworks on select nights, discounted food nights and more. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fort-wayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne.

Easter Egg Hunt

March 30, 9:30-10:45 a.m. This rain-or-shine event is free to the public and features egg hunts for ages 0-12, grand prizes, free pictures with the

Entertainment & Events

Purdue University Fort

Easter bunny and a K9 demonstration. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.

2024 Solar Eclipse

April 8, 1-4:30 p.m. The last visible total solar eclipse in the U.S. was in 1979 and the next one is in 2044. Purdue University Fort Wayne’s physics department provides certified observing solar glasses for free while supplies last. Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, pfw.edu/events/2024-solar-eclipse.

A Bohemian Bloom Market

April 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This curated bohemianthemed market has free entry and 50-plus boho-

style vendors. This is a stroller/family friendly event. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

April 17, 7:30 p.m. This electrifying concert experience celebrates the timeless music of the legendary fab four. With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.

Casting Crowns 20th Anniversary Tour

April 19, 7 p.m. Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Casting Crowns perform songs from the band’s current chart-topping album in addition to hits from a 20-year repertoire. For the first time ever, the band is joined by a live symphony. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.

Fort Wayne Ballet: Romeo & Juliet

April 19-21, Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. The most infamous of love stories sweeps onto the stage in this poignant ballet by Sergei Prokofiev. Fort Wayne Ballet performs with the help of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.

Maddie & Tae

April 19, 8 p.m. Madison Font and Taylor Kerr have formed an indestructible bond, using their time-tested friendship as their songwriting superpower. Touring internationally, they’ve racked up gold, platinum and multiplatinum certifications. Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com. ❚

Wayne’s physics department provides special solar glasses for viewing the solar eclipse on April 8. Glasses are free while supplies last.

Families can enjoy Easter egg hunts for children ages 0-12 at the Allen County Fairgrounds on March 30.