Is this a free event?
Yes! This event is free for public and reenactors to attend. Vendors are charged a small fee to set up.
Is the food free?
Yes, several historical field kitchens will be setup serving food samples from noon to 4pm on Saturday or until they run out. You will be provided with disposable plates and utensils. The food is free, but each kitchen will have a donation bucket out, so you can donate to them if you choose.
What is in the food?
There will be a list of ingredients by each field kitchen to accommodate those with allergies.
When is the event?
The main event is Saturday June 17 2023 from 9am to 6pm, with the last admission at 5pm. The kitchens will be serving from noon until 4pm (or until they run out). Reenactors will be on site Friday to setup - public is welcome to come on Friday as well until 5pm, but the kitchens may not be ready to serve food yet. Sunday will be a tear down and pack up day with no activities planned.
Where is the event and where can I park?
The event is held at Sandstone Village at 736 Milan Ave, Amherst, OH 44001 HOWEVER free parking will be at the Amherst Junior High School 548 Milan Ave, Amherst, OH 44001 which is about half a mile down the road (a free shuttle will be running Friday and Saturday or you can walk to the site).
How can I support the event?
There will be donation buckets by each field kitchen and there will be volunteers for the museum walking around with donation buckets. You can also donate to MHPG here or Sandstone Village here. If you have military items you'd like to donate, please contact msternad@mhpg.us.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event will be held rain or shine.
The site has historical buildings. Can I go in them?
Many of the buildings will be open and will have displays in them. A few may be closed off or only open for guided tours.
I am interested in setting up to sell. How does it work?
We are looking for military surplus or historical / vintage vendors. We reserve the right to decline any vendor should their items not fit the event. Vending is $50 and space is flexible based on your needs. It is all outdoor. Find out more here.
I have a field kitchen and want to set up. Do I get reimbursed for the food I provide from my field kitchen?
Yes. Keep all food receipts and bring them to the event. You will be reimbursed for the food costs. Each kitchen will have a donation bucket and donations will be split 50/50 with the kitchen and the event. Find out more here.
I'm a reenactor or vendor. How early can I arrive to set up and how late can I stay?
Reenactors and vendors can arrive on site Thursday starting at noon. You must leave the premises by 5pm on Sunday.
I am a reenactor and want to set up a display that isn't a field kitchen. Can I do that?
Yes. All displays are encouraged. Just let us know what kind of space your unit needs when you register.
I react as a civilian. Can I come and setup as well?
Yes, historical civilians are invited. Homefront displays are welcome - especially those dealing with rations or wartime cooking. Just let us know what kind of space you need when you register.
Can I bring a military vehicle out?
Yes, military historical vehicles are welcome and encouraged. Just let us know when you register.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
Reenactors, vendors, and field kitchen must register in advance so we can make sure there is enough space. Public does not need any tickets to attend.
I'm a reenactor and I am unsure if I can make it; what should I do?
You can register even if you are unsure if you can make it. If you are unable to make the event, please let us know as far in advance as possible. Contact us at msternad@mhpg.us
When does registration for reenactors or vendors close?
Registration closes one week before the event, early registration is encouraged so we can better layout the camps and ensure you have enough space for your display. If you are past the deadline, you can contact msternad@mhpg.us to see if we have extra space available.
I have a question that isn't answered here. Who can I contact?
Is the event providing any extra things just for reenactors and vendors?
The event will provide breakfast on Saturday morning and a beer garden on Saturday night (both of which are reenctor/vendor only and NOT open to the public). We are also organizing with the school to use the showers. There will also be a reenctor/vendor only swap meet (NOT open to the public) at 6pm Friday on the parade grounds and a reencator pub crawl through town Friday evening (free shuttle service provided).
Is there a dance, is it open to reenactors only or to the general public?
There will be a reenactor appreciation USO dance on Saturday night which will be open to reenactors event staff and some guests.
Is there a competition among the field kitchens?
Yes, there will be judges to pick the best food / display. Judging begins at 4pm Saturday and a winner will be chosen by 5pm. Public will also be receiving a ticket so that they can vote for their favorite kitchen. The vote for best kitchen should encompass not only the food, but the display as well.
Is there a battle?
Bring blanks, we have a scheduled slot for a small battle but we are waiting to gauge groups interest in participating. There will be firing demos which will be another great way to engage with the general public.
Are there accommodations for female reenactors?
For female reenactors, who do not want to rough it in the camp area, there will be space in the basement at Cornerstone Community Church (with access to a real bathroom) to set up non period sleeping bags, air mattresses, etc. You may also set up and sleep in the buildings with your displays but all modern sleeping gear must be out of sight during show hours.
If you have any questions or wish to coordinate your display contact msternad@mhpg.us or join one of the following FB groups
Sandstone Field Kitchens (group for units bringing kitchen set up to the event)
Best years of our Lives 1945 Reenactors page (Group for WWII Homefront impressions)
Sandstone Reenactors (Group for organizing reenactors for the event)
If you group would like to participate in the cook off please submit an application here.
Event address:
Sandstone Village
736 Milan Ave, Amherst, OH 44001
Parking address:
Amherst Junior High School
548 Milan Ave, Amherst, OH 44001
The parking lot is about half a mile down the road and there will be shuttles running between the event site, the parking lot and town on Friday and Saturday.