Where do you get to experience British, Colonial American, and French military camps, a Potawatomi Native village, the roar of cannon and muskets, and 18th century artisans and shopping opportunities, all in one location? Five Medals living history, of course! Give your family a day they’ll always remember, filled with one-of-a-kind history lessons they’ll never forget. Five Medals is an immersive, educational and hugely entertaining experience. The event spans our country’s history from 1750 to 1815.

Five Medals, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, features over 200 reenactors and demonstrators, including unique shopping opportunities with early American merchants, live Colonial music, workshops featuring 1700’s lady’s clothing and penny whistle instruction where guests will learn to play a simple tune and receive a free penny whistle. There’s so much more, including a period-correct Punch & Judy Show, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, woodworking, flintknapping, hide-tanning, open-fire cooking and baking, soapmaking, paper filigree, the most cleverest Irish women you ever did see, watercolor artistry, millinery, colonial beekeeping, natural fabric dyeing, spinning and wool carding, basket weaving, pottery, an oxen team, and even a chocolatier, all ongoing throughout the event!

And if that’s not enough, feel your chest pound during the black powder flintlock and artillery demonstrations. Interact with participants in the woodland Native, French civilian and military, British military, and Colonial/U.S. military encampments.

This year’s Five Medals living history event takes place Saturday, May 3rd (9:00 – 5:00) and Sunday, May 4th (10:00 – 4:00). The event’s location is the Farm at Amish Acres on U.S. 6, directly west of Nappanee, Indiana. Along with shopping opportunities and early American crafts galore, visitors will find several great food options, including a root beer stand and sausage and pancake breakfast (Saturday, from 9:00 – 11:00).