The President’s Own United States Marine Band returns to Indiana for a free 7:30 p.m. concert on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Purdue University Fort Wayne Music Center.
As the premier ensemble of the Marine Corps, the band frequently performs at the White House, delivering on its unique mission, “To provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.”
The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every president since John Adams.
Marine Band Director Col. Jason Fettig has programmed musical selections in the style of the band’s 17th director John Philip Sousa, who initiated the concert tour tradition in 1891. Concertgoers can expect a mix of works including traditional band repertoire, Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos, and a patriotic salute to the Armed Forces.
For more information, go to the band website at marineband.marines.mil/tour.
Día de los Muertos exhibit returns
Fort Wayne Museum of Art will celebrate Día de los Muertos through Nov. 5.
The exhibition, open Tuesdays through Sundays, celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, (Day of the Dead), a festive time to remember deceased ancestors and loved ones.
The exhibition features ofrendas (memorial altars) where family members leave offerings so the souls of the departed might find their way home and be nourished upon their arrival. Symbolic objects like sugar skulls, candles, colorful cut-tissue paper banners, bold marigolds, and monarch butterflies fill a gallery in celebration.
Chocolate Walk promotes driver safety
Drive Alive Indiana will host their second annual downtown Chocolate Walk from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Stroll through various destinations, including local restaurants, shops, and businesses, to receive a total of 20 chocolate-themed treats.
Ticket holders start at the Skyline YMCA, 838 S. Harrison St., to receive a “chocolate passport.” Passports may be picked up at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Once you pick up your passport, you may visit destinations at your leisure.
Proceeds go toward supporting Drive Alive’s mission to keep young drivers safe.
Tickets are $25 and are available online at DriveAliveChocolateWalk.eventbrite.com.
Playground installed at Casselwood Park
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation has installed a new playground structure at Casselwood Park.
The updated version features two slide choices with a shade structure at the top, multiple climbing bars and forms, a separate swivel chair, and swings. The playground base was also refreshed and the walkway leading to the playground was repaved.
“This enhanced playground is an opportunity to respond to requests by neighbors and to upgrade features for children of all abilities,” said Steve McDaniel, director of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation.
Fort Wayne leaf pick-up begins Oct. 30
Beginning Oct. 30, the Fort Wayne Street Department will collect leaves in the city’s more than 400 neighborhoods. This year’s leaf pick-up will run through Dec. 15, but weather conditions or the volume of leaves in a particular area may cause the planned schedule to shift slightly.
To keep residents informed of any changes in the schedule, leaf collection updates will be provided daily before 3 p.m. at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves.
This year’s schedule is listed below.
North Neighborhoods: Oct. 30-Nov. 3 and Nov. 27- Dec. 1
Central Neighborhoods: Nov. 6-9 and Dec. 4-8
South Neighborhoods: Nov. 13–Nov. 17 and Dec. 11–15
There will be no leaf collection on Nov. 10 for Veterans Day or Nov. 23-24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Residents are asked to rake leaves to the curb or park strip in front of their home, but not in the street. Leaves should be in the pick-up area by Monday at 7 a.m. on the collection week.
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