Christy Stutzman helps to unveil the new name of Amish Acres, The Barns at Nappanee, as introduced by her husband, Marlin Stutzman, who is one of the new owners.

NAPPANEE — The traditions of Amish Acres are quickly returning.

On Feb. 5, the Amish Acres property in Nappanee was auctioned off in 16 lots. Former Congressman Marlin Stutzman, Jason Bontrager and John Kruse became the new owners of seven of the lots, including the Round Barn Theatre and restaurant.

On Wednesday, March 4, the new owners came together to announce exciting updates coming to the property.

One of the first orders of business was the unveiling of the new name  — The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres. “We thought about this a long time. How do we honor the legacy of Amish Acres that’s here, but how do we also look toward the future and continue to be a spot where people want to come and be here?” Stutzman explained, regarding the name change.

The centerpiece of Amish Acres was the farmstead and homestead, and so they will continue giving tours and allowing people to enjoy the property. Stutzman mentioned that being a wedding destination will also continue to be a feature.

“We are excited about the future here at Amish Acres, and we want to just say we’re thrilled to be a part of this community and want to just continue to engage and to become great partners here,” Stutzman stated.

Jason Bontrager followed by describing his history in investing and his family’s previous ownership of Jayco. He mentioned advice he received from a mentor at Butler University, where he attended college, who said, “‘Treat your family’s business like a laboratory because you never know when your family will sell their business.'” This taught Bontrager how to treat and understand business.

He described himself, Stutzman and Kruse as having a similar belief system, morals and enjoyment of high-quality things, which they felt was exemplified in this property. “Just felt like it was a really good opportunity for us to get involved here. And not only do we look for that type of product or service but we want to help businesses remain owned within Indiana. So we really are focusing on keeping business local, keeping business private if we can,” Bontrager continued.

Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins briefly discussed the challenges the city feared when it was announced that Amish Acres was going to auction. “But I think every time we approach challenges in Nappanee we look at those as opportunities and I think this is another example of those opportunities. You can’t go through Indiana without saying Nappanee, without saying Amish Acres and that’s a credit to the Pletcher family and the dedication they put into this,” Jenkins stated. He and the city are excited to embark on this new chapter of Amish Acres with the new owners.

The Legacy Theatre Group will be taking over the production of shows at the Round Barn Theatre. Pictured, from left, are Doug Stroup, Bethany Crawford, Wendy Rivera, Gabe Rivera and Christy Stutzman.

Stutzman’s wife, Christy, introduced members of the Legacy Theatre Group that will be taking over the operations of the Round Barn Theatre.

Gabe Rivera will act as the new director for the shows and has a long history in theater production. Bethany Crawford is a writer and director with a master’s degree in theater. Doug Stroup brings a different perspective to the group as an actor, performer and singer along with having a TV and film production company. Christy is a composer and will be showcasing her own music in some of the upcoming original productions. John Coates, a well-known director particularly in Nashville, Tenn., will be partnering with Christy to create and compose music for the shows.

Rivera added, “We see an opportunity with the gifts of the team that we’ve brought together to identify stories that we think the people in this community and from all over that come to visit would like to see. And do original productions of stories that don’t yet have stage shows and add sort of a new dimension to the ongoing legacy of the Round Barn Theatre.”

The first production will arrive on Easter weekend, beginning with a 7:30 p.m. show Good Friday, a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and a 1 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

The show, “Acts: The Three Man Show,” will include three actors playing all the characters in the entire biblical book of Acts. Meals will be served prior to each of these shows. The box office will be open and available to reserve seats for the upcoming productions. Rivera also promised there would be no “sticker shock” with ticket prices under the new ownership.

After the Easter show, there will be an honorary, farewell sendoff to the annual “Plain and Fancy” show at the Round Barn. The group will be working with the previous director of the last two years to create a farewell show he hopes will be unlike any that has been seen before.

The rest of the production schedule will be released at a later date. The new website name will be thebarnsatnappanee.com, which they are working on linking with the current Amish Acres website for a smooth transition.

Food services for The Barns at Nappanee will be partnering with the LaSalle Hospitality Group. Mark McDonnell, the owner, described this as a new chapter at Amish Acres. They plan to offer some of the traditional menu items that Amish Acres is known for as well as some updated options. A portion of the dining room in the main barn will be converted into a restaurant known as LaSalle Farm and Table. McDonnell noted they plan to utilize as many local ingredients as possible.

On Thursday, March 5, the owners will host a job fair for former Amish Acres employees wishing to return and potential new employees at the theater. They are looking for those interested in working in the theater, restaurant, on the historic farm or in any of the shops.

Mark McDonnell, far left, owner of LaSalle Hospitality Group, spoke on food options and a new restaurant coming to The Barns At Nappanee, LaSalle Farm and Table. Also pictured are two of the new owners, Marlin Stutzman, left, and Jason Bontrager.