By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

Atlee Miller, 76, of Millersburg, Ohio (in Holmes County) answers questions about his Amish heritage from fourth-graders at Twin Valley South Elementary in Germantown, Ohio, on a field trip Tuesday to Der Dutchman Restaurant in Waynesville. The Cincinnati Enquirer/MICHAEL SNYDER

WAYNESVILLE - For the second straight year, this northern Warren County village is hosting a celebration of the Amish that also aims to educate.

Der Dutchman Restaurant is hosting the festival, which emphasizes learning about the customs and traditions of the Amish, through Saturday at its Waynesville location. Ohio has the largest number of Amish residents in the world - more than 49,000 live in the state, in 23 of Ohio's 88 counties.

Festivities include a full program of activities, much of it geared to fourth-graders.

"Ohio history is studied by local students during the fourth grade, and we believe our activities will help them learn about the unusual Amish and Mennonite cultures," says Sherry Miller, marketing coordinator for Dutchman Hospitality Group, which owns Der Dutchman. "What better way to learn than from the Amish people themselves?"

Students from five schools, including Wayne Elementary, are visiting the restaurant this week. They're spending the day rotating among learning stations that include an Amish horse-and-buggy ride, Amish school setting, sewing station, household station and barn/workshop station.

Amish citizens are hosting all activities. Students will conclude their visit with a traditional Amish lunch, sampling simple cuisine they had learned about during the morning's activities.

Der Dutchman is also hosting Amish Days for the general public Saturday and Sunday. Amish culture displays will be presented, and horse-and-buggy rides will be offered.

"We're looking forward to again commemorating our rich heritage in this way," says Der Dutchman manager Dan Yoder.

Amish Days run noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Der Dutchman Restaurant of Waynesville is on U.S. 42, nine miles from Interstate 71 (exit 45) and Interstate 75 (exit 38) following Ohio 73. Information: (513) 897-4716.