The Vann Family Foundation has donated $5 million to help fund a future bridge crossing Coliseum Boulevard planned to be constructed as part of Pufferbelly Trail.
The bridge will cross Coliseum Boulevard on the west side of Bob Thomas Ford on the north and Mission BBQ on the south. This is nearly the same spot that the New York Central Railroad Corridor crossed Coliseum Boulevard years ago.
Additional funds will need to be generated to enable the bridge crossing to be completed. A projected timeline includes the crossing going out for bids in 2025 with construction in 2026 pending all necessary approvals.
In addition to the donation, work will begin in August on the next phase of Pufferbelly Trail from Ice Way to Washington Center Road. The $3.2 million investment will include a 1.8-mile extension of trail that is expected to be finished in the fall of 2025. The trail and bridge will connect 130 miles of existing trails in the greater Fort Wayne area.
Pufferbelly Trail is one segment of the 81-mile Poka-Bache Connector trail from Pokagon State Park in Angola to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton, which is 60 percent complete/funded.
Submit proposals for Día de los Muertos exhibit
Fort Wayne Museum of Art is accepting proposals to honor lost loved ones at the annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition and Celebration from Sept. 23-Nov. 5.
Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of FWMoA staff and community members and considered using the following criteria: clarity of intent (who or what is being honored), level of displayed artistry, and creativity and alignment with the values and characteristics of the Día de Muertos tradition.
To submit a proposal, fill out the submission form at fwmoa.org by Aug. 21. Additional information and a materials list are included on the site. A Spanish version is also available. Selected artists will be notified by Aug. 28.
Civic Theatre offers free two-day workshop
Fort Wayne Civic Theatre will hold two days of free theater arts workshops, July 27-28, that include technical and performing aspects of theatre.
Newcomers can try out theater arts in a fun and welcoming environment while seasoned performers, artists, and technicians can deepen their craft.
All workshops are free and there will be opportunities for all ages and abilities to participate.
Workshops will be held at Foster Park Plaza from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with a social and networking hour from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday.
Instruction will be provided by Kitchen Sink Theatre, Indiana Musical Theatre Foundation, Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Summit City Music Theatre, Arena Dinner Theatre, Three Rivers Music Theatre, Fort Wayne Dance Collective, Purdue Fort Wayne, and Fort Wayne Youtheatre.
For more information and to sign up, go online to fwcivic.org/theatreartsfair.
Voices of Unity bring home gold medal
Unity Performing Arts Foundation’s choral group Voices of Unity recently returned from the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, Australia, with a gold medal in the gospel category.
Competing alongside 11,000 singers from 30 countries, the 6- to 18-year-old singers scored a 92.5 out of 100, which was higher than any other gold medal group.
In recognition, Voices of Unity will host a Victory Celebration at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, at PFW Music Center with live performances, special recognitions, and a chance to connect with supporters.
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