Taste Of History Event
A unique public display timeline event with a beautiful historic backdrop and a fun spin focused on the food and rations that fed soldiers across all eras. There will also be space provided for wartime civilian home front and camp follower displays. The Taste of History 2023 had over 100 reenactors and over 2,500 attendees. This event is well funded, well advertised, and is ideally located near Cleveland, Ohio. We expect an even bigger turn out in 2024!
Info
All eras are welcome, friend and foe alike. We want to provide the public with a window into the life of the average soldier, and one of the best ways to connect is through food. Field kitchens of various eras will be competing and offering samples of period meals to all attendees.
Besides field kitchens, we are also looking for static displays for all eras, from the Roman Legions to modern day. This is a great opportunity to share your individual or unit’s impressions with a curious and engaged public.
We will also have military surplus and historical vendors, so you can shop for a piece of history to add to your collection.
Event Time: Thursday – Sunday, June 14-15, 2024
Address: Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave., Amherst, OH 44001
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a free event? Yes! This event is free for public, reenactors, and Field Kitchens to attend. Vendors are charged $50 to set up.
Is the food free? Historical field kitchens will be serving food samples from noon to 4pm on Friday and Saturday. The food samples are available for a donation and each kitchen will have a donation bucket out, so attendees can donate to them.
What is in the food? There will be a list of ingredients by each field kitchen.
When is the event? The event is Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 9am to 5pm, with the last admission at 4pm. The kitchens will be serving from noon until 4pm (or until the kitchens run out of food). Reenactors can be on site Wednesday and Thursday to setup, with the event Friday and Saturday, and Sunday a tear down and pack up day.
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Where is the event? Where can I park? The event is held at Sandstone Village at 763 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 400 meters down the road (a free shuttle will be running Friday and Saturday or you can walk to the site). Reenactors and vendors can be shuttled Thursday and Sunday, as well.
How can I support the event? There will be donation buckets by each field kitchen and there will be volunteers walking around with donation buckets. You can also donate to MHPG online at <<insert link here>>. To be a sponsor for the event, please contact the Amherst Historical Society at office@amhersthistoricalsociety.org. 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.
Sandstone Village has historical buildings- can I go in them? The buildings will be open for the event.
I am interested in setting up to sell. How does it work? We are looking for military surplus or historical / vintage vendors. Anything made after 1970 must be a military item. Vending is $50 and space is flexible based on your needs. It is all outdoor. Click here for more info!
I have a field kitchen and want to set up. Do I get reimbursed for the food I provide? 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. Click here for more info!
I'm a reenactor or vendor. How early can I arrive to set up? How late can I stay? Reenactors and vendors can arrive on site Wednesday starting at 9am. You must leave the premises by 4pm 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 reenact as a civilian. Can I come and set up 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 and vendors 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 on June 6, 2024.
I have a question that isn't answered here. Who can I contact? Please email any questions to msternad@mhpg.us
Is the event providing any extra things just for reenactors and vendors? The event will provide breakfast on Friday and Saturday morning at 8am on site. There will be a reenactor pub crawl Thursday evening (free shuttle provided). Other reenactor and vendor only events are being planned.
Is there a competition among the field kitchens? Yes, there will be a competition with five categories this year! Attendees will receive a ticket so that they can vote for their favorite kitchen and favorite display (this includes all historical displays) both Friday and Saturday. The official judging for the best food and best presentation will be on Saturday and the awards ceremony will be at 5pm.
Is there a battle? There is no battle, but there will be scheduled firing demos.