Re-enactors drive a team of oxen at a Five Medals living history event. Photo provided by Michael Dragoo.

News Release

NAPPANEE — 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?

Re-enactors Jim Nelson and Thad Stern are shown at a Five Medals living history event. Photo provided by Michael Dragoo.

The Five Medals living history event is an immersive, educational and entertaining experience that re-creates American history from 1750 to 1815.

Five Medals, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, features more than 200 re-enactors and demonstrators, including unique shopping opportunities with early American merchants, live colonial music, workshops featuring 1700s women’s clothing and penny whistle instruction where guests will learn to play a simple tune and receive a free penny whistle.

Re-enactor Tom Strous is shown working as a blacksmith at a Five Medals living history event. Photo provided by Michael Dragoo.

There’s more, too, including a period-correct Punch & Judy Show, blacksmithing, tin-smithing, woodworking, flint-knapping, hide tanning, open-fire cooking and baking, soap making, paper filigree, 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.

Additionally, there will be 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 will take place Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. The event’s location is the farm at Amish Acres on U.S. 6, directly west of Nappanee. Along with shopping opportunities and early American crafts, visitors will find several food options, including a root beer stand and sausage and pancake breakfast.

There’s a cash admission charge for adults and youth, while those ages zero to 5 may enter for free.

For more information about times and prices, send an email to Michael Dragoo at [email protected] or find Five Medals on Facebook.

Five Medals Living History Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Re-enactor Brian Dyer portrays a Native American at a Five Medals living history event. Photo provided by Michael Dragoo.

Re-enactor Michael Dragoo is shown preparing food at a Five Medals living history event. Photo provided by Michael Dragoo.