What Is Operation Homecoming?

Operation Homecoming is a World War II Exhibition that takes place at Homecoming Park in Wauseon. Located at 715 Lawrence Avenue, the venue features a very large hill that is more than fifty feet tall. An expansive battle area expands out from the hill towards a creek, separating this area from the rest of the park. On the other side of that creek sits a large open area. This area features the WWII camp site, large pavilion, merchant and food vendor area, and a playground. Over to the East of the area sits a sizable wooded area that features our second battle site. Battles are switched up and change every year to ensure excitement for reenactors and the public.

Humble Beginnings

Operation Homecoming started as a simple idea. Co-Founder Jacob Kessler approached Co-Founder Trenton Coleman with his vision of bringing a WWII reenactment to Fulton County. Trenton had already been running events, and seemed like a good person to talk to about getting something started. This thought peaked Trenton’s interest, as he had wanted to bring more WWII themed events to Northwest Ohio for some time. After several meetings with local officials, and work down to partner with Lauer Farms 1944 for the events first year, Operation Homecoming was born.

Our Goal

Our goal is to provide the best experience possible to our members of the public, reenactors, vendors, and venue owners. While we understand that it is nearly impossible to please everyone, that wont stop us from trying our best to get that number as close to 100% as possible.

Additionally, our goal is to grow this event as large as we can. We want to create something truly special here. Something that everyone can be proud of at the end of the day. This event has so much potential. Help us grow it into something memorable.

Year One

Names Left to Right - Ohio State Representative Jim Hoops, Wauseon Mayor Kathy Huner, Co-Director Trenton Coleman, U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Fulton County Commissioner Jeff Rupp.

Operation Homecoming 2025 Student Ceremony

In 2025, over 500 Fulton County students from Wauseon, Evergreen, Swanton, and Fayette attended the first ever WWII Exhibition in Fulton County. WWII Exhibitions/Reenactments have been trying to come to Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan for some time now, and have been viewed by millions of people all across the United States and the world.

During this exhibition, these students toured a living history camp, viewed live battle reenactments, ate good food, and learned of local history via volunteers from local Historical Societies. The reenactors inside the living history camps were able to provide students with something they would otherwise not get, hands on learning for the 1940s. Even teachers enjoyed the event, with many stating they were impressed with the reenactors and were able to learn alot.

Operation Homecoming was in its infant stage at this point. It was on the smaller side of what it is expected to become. But still, nothing but positive words were said about the event from students, teachers, reenactors, and members of the public that came later that weekend. Op Hoco as it is being called by some, will only grow and in turn, help to create a new opportunity for learning in NW Ohio.