The roar of the cannons and the sounds of musket fire and old time music guide visitors to the towpath along the Gilead Side-Cut canal that separates the Village's main street from the Maumee River.  Here, children and families step back in time to observe and interact with demonstrators from the French Indian War through the Civil War periods.

As you wander the towpath, stop and talk with or listen to a story by an indentured servant from the Highlands, the frontier woodsman "Gray Wolf", Lewis & Clark, Chief Tecumseh, Johnny Appleseed, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant's widow, or other historical impersonators.

Visit the encampment of solders from the French-Indian War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War (Union and Confederate, black and white).  Listen to stories about military life.  Fire a musket.  Crawl inside a teepee with the bearskins and deer hides.  Start a fire with flint and steel or magnifying glass.  Wash clothes using washboard and ringer with the camp laundress.  Have your face painted or an historical period caricature done.

Artisans, craftsmen, homemakers, and tradesmen demonstrate a wide range of skills on the towpath and in the Village Park next to the historic Town Hall, where apple butter is made over fire and canned throughout the day.  Demonstrators are chosen for their ability to engage children in their activities.

basket making * beadwork * beekeeping * blacksmithing * bobbin lace * bow loom * candle making * chair caning * cider pressing * crochet * embroidery * flute making * herbal lore & use of native plants * knitting * mattress ticking * moccasin making * open fire cooking * pewter work * pottery * rag doll making * rug making / weaving * rope making * silversmith engraving * soap making * spinning * tanning * tatting * tole painting * yarn looms * woodcarving

As you exit the towpath by Blue Bell Island, visit the World War II encampment and Farm Area with animals and antique equipment, where children can shell corn and see bread making, butter churning, cheese making, dairy cows and goats, sheep shearing, and wool preparation.

An estimated 4,000 - 10,000 children and families enjoy the Applebutter Fest living history experience each year.

Demonstrators, reenactors, and historical impersonators are considered for the Living History Experience with priority given to those, who are able to engage visitors, especially children, in the experience.

if you are interested in being a part of the Living History Experience at Applebutter Fest, please complete the Contact Form at the bottom of this page.

A very special "thank you" to all of our demonstrators and re-enactors, who come back year after year to participate in the Fest. They do this because they love to share their knowledge and skills  with the families, who spend part of their day at the Fest in the Living History Experience.