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 Indiana’s statehood of 1816, with special emphasis this year on America 250.

Five Medals, with major support from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, features over 200 reenactors and demonstrators, exclusive shopping opportunities with early American merchants and live colonial music, including a marching fife & drum corp and a unique glass harmonica! An 18th century magician and the Punch & Judy Show are highlights on the entertainment schedule. Visitors will also experience blacksmithing, tinsmithing, woodworking, flintknapping, hide-tanning, open-fire cooking and baking, soapmaking, watercolor artistry, millinery, natural fabric dyeing, spinning and wool carding, basket weaving, pottery and an oxen team, 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 and experience a recreated Revolutionary War battle.

This year’s Five Medals Living History event takes place Saturday, May 2nd (9:00 – 5:00) and Sunday, May 3rd (10:00 – 4:00). The event’s location is The Farm next to 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 – 10:00). Cash admission: $9.00 (12 – adult), $4.00 (6 – 11), no charge (0 – 5).

This extraordinary living history event is presented by Five Medals Living History, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.