May 2012

May 1 (Sat): Family Fun Day/Rubber Duck Race
Get your rubber duck ready for the annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 1 at Hidden Diamonds Park, Albion, IN. Variety of family activities including the famous Rubber Duck Race will begin at 10 a.m. Bring the whole gang for fun, food, and good times. For more information, contact the Albion Park Department at 260-636-2246.

May 5 (Sat.) Bird/Animal Swap Meet
Wolf's Bird/Animal Swap Meet is being held on Saturday, May 5, Saturday, June 2, Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, August 18 at Kimmell, IN. Hours are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact 260-635-2356 or harrita@ligtel.com

May 5 & 6 (Sat.- Sun): Noble County Open House
The windows have been washed, the floors swept, and the doors are open for the annual Noble County Open House on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 all throughout Noble County, IN. Many of the attractions will be open this week-end with free admission for visitors. Come check out your county and see what there is to do and see! For more information, contact the Noble County Visitors Bureau at 260-599-0060

May 5 (Sat.): Wildflower Walk & Brunch
Take time to smell the flowers at the Wildflower Walk & Brunch on Saturday, May 5 at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, Rome City, IN. Visitors will enjoy a hearty brunch served in the Carriage House and then take an intrepretive walk thru Gene's famous gardens. Tickets are $20 per person and require a reservation. For information and/or reservations, contact the historic site at 260-854-3790.

May 11-12 (Fri.-Sat.): Nature Fest
Nature Fest at Merry Lea Learning Center, Wolf Lake, IN on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 is an annual family friendly bash. There are hikes for all ages and interests, booths with hands-on interactive projects, good food and overnight camping. Cost for children all weekend is $5 and adults is $5 to $15 depending on length of stay. For more information, contact Merry Lea at 260-799-5896 or online at goshen.edu/merrylea

May 12 (Sat.): Children's Theater Show
Final production of the East Noble theater season will be a student directed Children's Theater Show on Saturday, May 12 at the Cole Auditorium, Kendallville, IN. Tickets can be purchased from the East Noble box office Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. or by calling the box office at 260-347-7167.

May 12 (Sat.): Spring Hearthside Dinner
Enjoy an authentic 1800's pioneer dinner at the Spring Hearthside Dinner on Saturday, May 12 at Stone's Trace, Ligonier, IN. For more information, contact Janet Sweeney at 260-856-2666 or online at stonestrace.com

May 12 (Sat.): International Bird Day Festival
International Bird Day Festival on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, Rome City, IN will bring people together to learn about wild birds. Activities include a naturalist led bird watching tour through Sowers Woods and an opportunity to enjoy Birding by Kayak. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the festivities. Cost is $3 per person and does not include a cabin tour. Those interested in participating in Birding by Kayak must make reservations. Space is limited and reservations can be made by calling the site. For more information or to make reservations, contact the site at 260-854-3790.

May 12 (Sat.): Gun & Knife Show
Gun and Knife Show is going to be held on Saturday, May 12 at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Merchant Building, Kendallville, IN. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Don Moore at 260-349-8140.

May 13 (Sun.): Mother's Day at Black Pine
Treat Mom to a special day just for her at Black Pine Animal Park on Sunday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Albion, IN. Mom's admission is free with another paid visitor. For more information, call 260-636-7383 or online at blackpineanimalpark.com

May 13 (Sun.): Kite Fly
Go fly a kite! Bring Mom and the rest of the family to the annual Kite Fly on Sunday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mid-America Windmill Museum, Kendallville, IN. Kids of all ages can learn how to make a simple sled kite and then go fly it over the museum grounds. Hoosier Kiteflyers will be on hand to provide easy to follow instructions for making the simple kite. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own kite creations and join the fly-in. Prizes will be awarded in several categories to kite winners. Food and beverages will be available on the grounds. For more information, contact the museum at 260-347-2334 or online at midamericawindmillmuseum.org.

May 13 (Sun.): Mother's Day 5K Walk/Run
Join Mom for the Mother's Day 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, May 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Bixler Lake, Kendallville, IN. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, the walk/run will begin at Lions Park on the east side of Bixler Lake. Registration required; fee is $12 by May 7 and $15 after. Participants can register at the Park Department Office, 211 Iddings Street or by calling the office at 260-347-1064. Prizes will be awarded to the top finisher in 6 different age groups for men and women. For more information, contact the Park Department office at 260-347-1064.

May 18 (Sun.): Ice Breaker Wakefest
Ready for summer water fun! Come to the annual Ice Breaker Wakefest on Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20, Bixler Lake, Kendallville, IN. For more information go online at icebreakerwakefest.org

May 19 (Sat.): Family Fun Day/Rubber Duck Race
Dust off your rubber duck for the annual Family Fun Day/Rubber Duck Race on Saturday, May 19 at Hidden Diamonds Park, Albion, IN. Bring the family for a day of fun, sun and food. For more information, contact Casey Myers at 260-636-2246.

May 27 (Sun.): Tri-State Bluegrass Festival
Thursday, May 24 through Sunday, May 27 at Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN. Thursday will begin with a 4-H dinner of fish/tenderloin beginning at 4:30 p.m. Cost of meal is $8.50. Stage show will start at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 10:00 p.m. Thursday evening show is open to the public with no charge. For more information, go online at bluegrassusa.net

June 2012

June 2, July 7, Aug 18 (Sat.): Wolf's Bird/Animal Swap Meet
is being held on June 2, Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, August 18 at Kimmell, IN. Hours are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact 260-635-2356 or harrita@ligtel.com

June 2 (Sat.) through end of October: Kendallville Farms Market
Kendallville Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Main Street, Kendallville, IN. Market will be open every Saturday until end of October.

June 2 (Sat.): Moonlit Garden Tour:
Take an elegant Moonlit Garden Tour on Saturday, June 2 at 8:00 p.m. at the Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, Rome City, IN. Stroll through the formal or "Tame" gardens with luminaries spotlighting the paths. Enjoy music and wine tasting with chocolate dipped strawberries to add romance to the evening. Cost is $25 per person and does not include a cabin tour. For more information, call the site at 260-854-3790 or online at indianamuseum.org/sites/gene

June 4 (Mon) through July 13 (Fri): Summer Park Daycamp
Kendallville Park Department is again sponsoring the Summer Park Daycamp program for children beginning on Monday, June 4 through Friday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bixler Lake, Kendallville, IN. Daily activities are scheduled weather permitting and meet outdoors at the tennis courts in upper Bixler Lake park. For more information or to register, contact the Park Department at 260-347-1064.

June 6 (Wed.) through June 9 (Sat.): Chain O'Lakes Festival
Come celebrate summer at the Chain O'Lakes Festival, Wednesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 9, Albion, IN. Lots of activities for young and old.

June 9 (Sat.): Dave Knopp Memorial 5K Run
Third annual Dave Knopp Memorial 5K Run will be held on Saturday, June 9 at the Central Noble Middle School, Albion, IN. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Race begins at 9:00 a.m. Cost is $12 per person. Participants should gather on Elm Street west of the middle school's baseball field. There are seven age groups for persons interested in participating. Each runner will receive a T-shirt. Top 3 winners in each age group will get a medal with ribbon. For more information, contact Lester Bender at 260-636-7729 or email lesterbender@frontier.com.

June 11 (Mon) through June 15 (Fri): British Soccer Camp
British Soccer Camp is scheduled for Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Outdoor Sports Complex, Kendallville, IN. Outdoor Sports Complex is located at 524 S. Allen Chapel Road. For more information or to register, contact the Kendallville Park Department at 260-347-1064.

June 15 (Fri): Wahoo Slugfest
Wahoo Slugfest scheduled for Friday, June 15 at Outdoor Sports Complex, Kendallville, IN. Outdoor Sports Complex is located at 524 S. Allen Chapel Road. For more information, contact the Kendallville Park Department at 260-347-1064.

June 17 (Sun): Father's Day at Black Pine
Celebrate Dad's special day by coming to Father's Day at Black Pine Animal Park, Albion, IN. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dad's admission is free with another paid visitor admission. For more information, call the site at 260-636-7383 or go online at blackpineanimalpark.com

June 23 (Sat.): Wine in the Pines
Come enjoy the 3rd annual Wine in the Pines wine tasting event on Saturday, June 23 at Black Pine Animal Park, Albion, IN. This is an adults only event. Visitors must be 21 or older. Park tours begin at 5:30 p.m. and wine tasting begins at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy good wine, hors d'oeuvres, live music and exotic animals. Guests are asked to pre-register with the park office prior to the event. For more information or to register, contact the site office at 260-636-7383 or go online at blackpineanimalpark.com

July 2012

June 4-13 Summer Park Daycamp
Kendallville Park Department is again sponsoring the Summer Park Daycamp program for children beginning on Monday, June 4 through Friday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bixler Lake, Kendallville, IN. Daily activities are scheduled weather permitting and meet outdoors at the tennis courts in upper Bixler Lake park. For more information or to register, contact the Park Department at 260-347-1064.

June 2 (Sat.) Bird/Animal Swap Meet
Wolf's Bird/Animal Swap Meet is being held on Saturday, June 2, Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, August 18 at Kimmell, IN. Hours are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact 260-635-2356 or harrita@ligtel.com

June 2: Every Sat. until end of October: Kendallville Farmers Market
Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Main Street, Kendallville, IN. Market will be open every Saturday until end of October.

July 6 (Fri.): Albion Fireworks
Come out and celebrate with friends on Friday, July 6 at the Albion, IN Fireworks display.

July 7 (Sat.): Black Pine Kids Camp
Black Pine Animal Park, Albion, IN will be hosting two 3-hour Kids Camp in the morning on Saturday, July 7 at the animal park. Kids Camps will be for children ages 3-4 and 5-6. Cost is $15 per child for the camps. One adult per child is requested to attend. There is no charge for the adult. Each camp will include a tour of the park, a craft activity and a snack. Pre-registration is required and there is a limit of 15 campers per age group. For more information or to register for a camp, contact the park at 260-636-7383 or online at blackpineanimalpark.com

July 7 (Sat.): Water Fight
The line has been drawn and the balloons are ready for the annual Water Fight between the North and the South on Saturday, July 7 at Bixler Lake, Kendallville. The battle will begin at 4:00 p.m. Come prepared with balloons and soaker guns. There is no charge to participate just a good way to have some water fun. For more information, contact Cory Kline at 260-349-0215.

July 14 to July 23: Noble County Fair
Come to the Noble County Fair, Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN. 2012 Fair dates are Saturday, July 14 to Monday, July 23. For more information go online to noblecountyfair.org

July 14-15: Cabin Overnight
Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, Rome City, IN will open Gene's famous home for a Cabin Overnight on Sat., July 14 and Sun., July 15 for interested guests. Visitors will have the chance to explore all areas of Gene's home from the basement to the attic and sleep anywhere in the cabin. One lucky guest can win the right to spend the night in Gene's own bedroom. Cost for the overnight is $100 per person and guests should be 18 or older. Snacks will be provided through the evening and a hearty breakfast will be served on Saturday morning. For more information or reservations, contact the historic site at 260-854-3790.

July 21 (Sat.): Black Pine Kids Camp
Students in grades 7-8 can attend the Black Pine Kids Camp on Saturday, July 21, Black Pine Animal Park, Albion, IN. This 3-hour morning camp designed for middle school students will include a tour of the animal park, an activity, and a snack. The cost is $15 per student. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact 260-636-7383 or online at blackpineanimalpark.com

July 27 (Fri.): Sidewalk Days
Celebrate downtown Main Street, Kendallville, IN with the city's Sidewalk Days on Friday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown merchants and businesses will open their doors for residents and visitors. Come down and enjoy the festivities.

July 28 (Sat.): Summer Fest
Join Black Pine Animal Park, Albion, IN for their annual summer celebration, Summer Fest on Saturday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a tour of park and a variety of activities. Bring the whole family and see the lions, tigers, and other exotic animals. For more information, call 260-636-7383 or go online at blackpineanimalpark.com

July 28 (Sat.): Car Show & Cruise-In Night
As part of the annual Kendallville Sidewalk Days event, there will be a Car Show and Cruise-In on Main Street, Kendallville, IN. Show hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

July 28 (Sat.): Star Gazing & Night Hike
Enjoy the night skies with Star Gazing & Night Hike on Saturday, July 28 at Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, Rome City, IN. Join the site naturalist at 8:30 p.m. for an intrepretive walk through the Sower Woods. Cost is $4 per person. Guests will get an introduction to the creatures of the night like bats, owls and other critters that make an appearance. Don't forget to bring your binoculars for a close up view of the night sky! For more information, contact 260-854-3790 or online at indianamuseum.org/sites/gene

August 2012

August (Saturdays): Kendallville Farmers Market
Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Main Street, Kendallville, IN. Market will be open every Saturday until end of October.

Aug. 1 (Wed.) throuh Aug. 4 (Sat.): Onion Days
Need an onion fix? Noble County has just the thing--Onion Days on Wednesday, August 1 through Saturday, August 4 at Wolf Lake, IN. There will be plenty of activities and even onions for all to enjoy.

Aug. 4 (Sat.): Roar 'n' Snore Family Camping
Load up the kids and the camping gear for the annual Roar 'n' Snore overning camp-out on Saturday, August 4 at Black Pine Animal Park, Albion IN. Family camping is available on the grounds. There will be a backyard BBQ, bonfire complete with smores. Guides will take campers on a nocturnal tour, watch an outdoor movie and more. For information, contact Black Pine at 260-636-7383 or online at blackpineanimalpark.com

Aug. 4 (Sat.): Kid City
Kid City on Saturday, August 4 at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN is a great way for elementary and middle school students to learn about lots of different areas all at one time. Students are introduced to five different learning communities and can participate in a variety of activities. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge except for $1 for parking. Proceeds benefit the Newspapers in Education and Kid City programs. For more information, contact Vi Wysong at 260-347-0400, ext. 161.

Aug. 11 (Sat.): Safari Supper Camp
Want to feed a tiger? Safari Supper Camp on Saturday, August 11 at Black Pine Animal Park, Albion IN. is just the thing for children ages 9-12. This 4-hour afternoon camp will have children working side by side with the park's zookeepers. Participants will help prepare and deliver meals to the bears, primates, birds and other exotic animals. Camp will include a tour of the park and a snack. Tickets are $25 per child. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the park at 260-636-7383 or online at blackpineanimalpark.com

Aug. 18 (Sat.): Lions, Tigers & Hot Rods
Lions, Tigers & Hot Rods on Saturday, August 18 is a benefit car show held at the 4-H Park, Albion IN. adjacent to Black Pine Animal Park. Car, hot rod and motocycle owners will display their "toys" and visitors can enjoy them and also tour the animal park. Pre-registation is required for the vehicles and forms are available online at blackpineanimalpark.com. For more information, contact Black Pine at 260-636-7383 or online at blackpineanimalpark.com

Aug. 18 (Sat.): Bird/Animal Swap Meet
Wolf's Bird/Animal Swap Meet is being held on Saturday, May 5, Saturday, June 2, Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, August 18 at Kimmell, IN. Hours are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact 260-635-2356 or harrita@ligtel.com

Aug. 18 (Sat.): Chautauqua Days
Celebrate Gene's birthday at the annual Chautauqua Days, Saturday August 18 and Sunday, August 19 at Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, Rome City, IN. Hours for both days are 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. No cabin tours will be available. Cost is $3 per person. Birthdays are special so help the site staff celebrate her life and honor her "day" with live music and tasty food. Festivities include old-fashioned crafts, children's activities, and participate in workshops on photography, reptiles/amphibians, insects and much more. For more information, contact the site at 260-854-3790.

Aug. 30 (Thurs.) through Sept. 2 (Sun.): Tri-State Bluegrass Festival
Bluegrass Festival scheduled for Thursday, August 30 through Sunday, September 2 at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN.

September 2012

Sept. through end of Oct.: Kendallville Farmers Market
Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Main Street, Kendallville, IN. Market will be open every Saturday until end of October.

Sept. 2 (Sun): Tri-State Bluegrass Festival
Bluegrass Festival scheduled for Thursday, August 30 through Sunday, September 2 at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN.

Sept. 8 (Sat.): Stone's Trace Pioneer Festival
Step back in time at the annual Stone's Trace Pioneer Festival on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9, Ligonier, IN. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $ per person. Free parking is available at West Noble Schools with shuttle service to the festival grounds. Enjoy a variety of food, live music, pioneer crafts, and a Civil War encampment complete with a cannon. For more information, contact Janet Sweeney at 260-856-2666 or online at stonestrace.com

Sept. 15 (Sat.): Harvest Fest
September means time for the annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16, Albion, IN. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Events are held at the Noble County Saddle Club grounds on State Road 8, Albion, IN. Activities include an old-fashioned saw mill operation, children's games, crafts, and lots of good food. For more information, contact Bill Shultz at 260-636-7863 or online at albionin.org

Sept. 25 (Tue.): Light the Night Walk
Enjoy walking? Then join the Light the Night Walk on Tuesday, September 25 from 5 to 8 p.m., Kendallville, IN. This is an annual walk to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Sept. 29 (Sat.): Upland Game Cookout
Want to try something different for dinner? Check out the Upland Game Cookout on Saturday, September 29 at Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, Rome City, IN. The staff from the site and area hunters will prepare a variety of local wild game for guests to savor. Serving hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Everything is on the menu from goose, deer, dove, fish, and squirrel. Not sure you can handle these, then try some of the vegetarian dishes also available. Conservation groups and conservation officers will also be there for questions and answers. For more information, contact the GSP site at 260-854-3790.