Go Behind the Scenes With "Vanilla Ice Goes Amish"

Vanilla Ice breaks out of the mold yet again — this time learning about living close to the land and about true hands-on craftsmanship in an authentic Amish community. We give you a sneak peek behind the scenes.

By: David L Haynes

Cultural Assimilation

For his latest odyssey, and in an unexpected turn, Rob Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, spends time living and working on a farm near Fredericksburg, Ohio, as a guest in the nation's largest Amish community. Ice is seen here with his Amish host, John Schalabach.

Downtime

Ice gets in touch with his rootsier and acoustic side in the rural setting of the Ohio Amish country.

Behind the Scenes: Arrival Day

Behind-the-scenes photographers catch a moment of the production crew shooting Ice's arrival and first impressions in the Amish community. Several Belgian draft horses look on in bewilderment.

BEFORE

Vanilla Ice, in familiar form, arrives in Amish country and begins to take in a world that's a bit unlike the one he's accustomed to. In short order, he'll be getting something of a wardrobe makeover.

AFTER

... and so Ice takes on some of the traditional accoutrements of the Amish lifestyle. More on this later.

Arrival Day

Vanilla Ice explores the farm and the community that will be home base for a while as the camera crew documents his first day's experiences.

Arrival Day

Ice talks on camera about his first impressions and first day on the farm.

Arrival Day

Ice takes a quiet moment to contemplate the adventure that lies ahead.

Arrival Day

Ice makes a new acquaintance, a Belgian draft horse — a breed that's particularly strong and well suited for the rigors of pre-industrial-style farm work.

Arrival Day

Ice meets community member John Schalabach, who will serve as his host and guide during his stay with the Amish community.

Arrival Day

Vanilla Ice and John Schalabach

Arrival Day

Vanilla Ice and John Schalabach

Arrival Day

Ice and John begin a walking tour of the farm.

Arrival Day

John shows Ice one of the horse-drawn buggies that members of his community rely upon for transportation.

New Digs

In a land far away from L.A. or South Beach Miami, this is the home of John Schalabach — and the house that Vanilla Ice will call home during his stay with the Amish community.

New Digs

The modest and traditional home of John Schalabach

New Threads

It's forward fashion in reverse as Ice dons traditional Amish attire.

New Lid

The ensemble is not complete without the appropriate headwear.

New Look

Ice gets comfortable in his newly adopted Amish apparel.

Cultural Assimilation

Once the new ensemble is complete, photo opportunities do arise.

Cultural Assimilation

More photo ops.

Cultural Assimilation

And photo ops keep coming.

Cultural Assimilation

New friends are discovered around every corner.

Farm Breakfast

Over breakfast, Vanilla Ice discusses the day's activities with John and Rob Schalabach.

Table Talk

Morning Work

Ice meets up with his host, John Schalabach, at the barn and prepares for his first day's work on the farm.

Morning Work

Tools of the Trade

The proper equipment will be critical for today's farm chores.

Morning Work

John explains the scope of what's involved in today's tasks.

Down on the Farm

As it turns out, today's first job involves one of the less glamorous aspects of farm living: shoveling manure from the stalls in the horse barn.

Down on the Farm

The camera crew misses not one single moment of this rare opportunity in documentary filmmaking.

Power Tools

Pitchforks and wheelbarrows are one thing, but this is more like it.

New Ride

It's a long way to the L.A. Freeway, but this traditional Amish buggy has been specially modified at Woodlyn Carriage Company in Millersburg, Ohio.

Alternative Transportation

After a day's work, Ice and John Schalabach arrive back at home at the farm in Fredericksburg.

Porch Time

Ice and John share some well-deserved downtime at John's cabin home.

Porch Time

John Schalabach listens as Ice strums a few chords on an acoustic guitar. Perhaps there's a living to be made with this music thing. Stay tuned. More behind-the-scenes photography coming soon.
Back to the Vanilla Ice Goes Amish show page for more photos and video.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Michael F. McElroy

Photo By: Jack Parker

Photo By: Michael F. McElroy

Photo By: Jack Parker

Photo By: Michael F. McElroy

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

Vanilla Ice Goes Amish

Go Behind the Scenes With "Vanilla Ice Goes Amish"

Cultural Assimilation

Downtime

Behind the Scenes: Arrival Day

BEFORE

AFTER

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

Arrival Day

New Digs

New Digs

New Threads

New Lid

New Look

Cultural Assimilation

Cultural Assimilation

Cultural Assimilation

Cultural Assimilation

Farm Breakfast

Table Talk

Table Talk

Table Talk

Morning Work

Morning Work

Tools of the Trade

Morning Work

Down on the Farm

Down on the Farm

Down on the Farm

Power Tools

New Ride

Alternative Transportation

Porch Time

Porch Time

Shop This Look