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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260619
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260622
DTSTAMP:20260613T052309
CREATED:20260603T185725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T185725Z
UID:10010080-1781827200-1782086399@outandaboutwisconsin.com
SUMMARY:WWII Re-Enactment Weekend at Old Falls Village Park
DESCRIPTION:Inside the Encampments: How Reenactors Bring 1940s Life Back to the Present at WWII Days \nBy Friends of Old Falls Village Park \nThe past doesn’t simply sit in museums—it breathes\, cooks\, marches\, and laughs inside the living‑history encampments that fill Old Falls Village during WWII Days. Step inside\, and you’ll find yourself transported not just to the 1940s battlefield but to the 1940s home‑front world that shaped the generation who rebuilt America after the war. \nThese reenactors don’t just dress the part. They recreate the daily rhythms\, challenges\, and triumphs of mid‑century life with remarkable authenticity. \nHere’s how the reenactors bring the WWII era back to life\, allowing you to learn from it and become fully immersed in the experience. \nAuthentic Tents & Living Quarters \n\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nCanvas tents line the encampment\, each one carefully furnished to reflect the living conditions of mid‑century soldiers. Inside\, visitors find cots covered with wool blankets\, footlockers packed with period‑correct gear\, and lanterns\, enamelware\, and personal items that would have accompanied troops in the field. Reenactors don’t just display these spaces—they inhabit them\, sleeping in the tents\, cooking over field stoves\, and living out the weekend exactly as soldiers once did. Their commitment to authenticity transforms the encampment into a living snapshot of history\, allowing guests to immerse directly into the daily routines of the past. \nCooking Over Field Stoves \nThe smell of frying potatoes and hot coffee drifts through the encampment as reenactors prepare meals over authentic WWII–era field stoves. Using metal mess kits and ration‑inspired recipes\, they recreate the simple\, hearty dishes that fueled soldiers through long days in the field. Visitors gather to watch the process\, seeing firsthand how meals were cooked in the 1940s military—without modern conveniences\, but with plenty of skill\, improvisation\, and camaraderie. \nRestored Vehicles: Machines That Tell Stories \n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nFrom nimble Jeeps to heavy troop carriers\, and even a German Kubelwagen vehicles on display are rolling time-capsules that bring the past roaring back to life. Their owners\, usually reenactors themselves\, spend years tracking down parts\, repainting insignia\, and researching the histories of the units that once operated them. These vehicles represent WWII icons\, and through careful restoration\, showcase living history stories to be shared with new generations. Each engine rumble and each coat of paint become a tribute to the men and women who once relied on these machines. \nWeapons Demonstrations \nWeapons demonstrations offer visitors a safe\, controlled look at the tools of mid‑century warfare. Reenactors showcase rifles\, sidearms\, machine guns\, and even mortar equipment\, explaining how each weapon functioned and who would have used it in the field. These demonstrations go beyond the mechanics—they provide historical context\, illustrating how evolving technology shaped tactics\, survival\, and the outcome of battles. The result is an engaging blend of education and historical realism. \nAuthenticity \nEvery reenactor’s uniform is researched down to the stitching\, creating an immersive visual experience that reflects the era with striking accuracy. Wool service uniforms\, HBT fatigues\, women’s auxiliary attire\, and civilian 1940s dresses and workwear all appear throughout the encampments. Many participants sew their own garments or carefully source original pieces from vendors such as Maria Rodriguez\, the owner of Vivacious Lady Vintage specializing in women’s clothing. Reenactors hold authenticity to high standards; ensuring that every button\, patch\, and fabric choice matches the period. Their dedication brings authenticity to every interaction and photograph. \nBattle Reenactments \n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nThe highlight of the weekend is the battle reenactment at 2 pm both days\, where blank‑fire weapons\, smoke effects\, and coordinated maneuvers recreate the intensity of mid‑century combat. These staged battles are meticulously choreographed for both safety and historical accuracy\, offering spectators a powerful glimpse into the chaos and strategy of wartime engagements. The sights\, sounds\, and movement immerse visitors in a moment that feels both dramatic and deeply respectful of those who lived it.  The Reenactment units put on quite a show that you do not want to miss. \nLiving History through the Eyes of a Reenactor \nReenactors strive to portray the realities of a WWII soldier’s life with honesty and respect\, giving visitors a glimpse into the harsh conditions troops endured. The sounds of war—explosions\, gunfire\, shouted commands—were often deafening\, creating a constant backdrop of tension and fatigue. Soldiers battled lice\, slept outside in all weather\, and welcomed any food they could get\, no matter how simple or repetitive. Their weapons were not just tools but their sole line of survival\, carried alongside every piece of heavy gear they owned as they marched for hours from place to place. Clean water was scarce\, showers were rare\, and fire pits became essential not only for warmth but for moments of camaraderie that broke through the hardship. Above all\, the brotherhood within each unit formed bonds stronger than steel\, creating friendships that carried soldiers through the darkest moments of war. Reenactors bring these realities to life with care\, ensuring that every detail honors the men who lived them. \nHonoring Veterans \nThroughout the encampments\, reenactors serve as caretakers of memory\, honoring the veterans whose experiences they portray. Many camps display photographs of local service members\, letters sent from home\, medals\, and preserved service records. Visitors are encouraged to share stories of their own family members\, transforming the space into a living memorial. This personal connection bridges generations and reminds every one of the real people behind the uniforms.  Friends of Old Falls Village Park have a display of our own hometown heroes of WWII.  Check out their Wall of Heroes and read their stories at the WWII Days. \nUSO Themed Variety Show and Dance \n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\n  \nOn Friday night\, June 19th\, we’re honoring our Military Appreciation Night with a USO‑themed variety show beginning at 6:30 pm\, featuring a Bob Hope impressionist\, music by Seagull and Friends\, and stirring patriotic performances by the Oconomowoc Community Choir. \nOn Saturday night\, lace up your dancing shoes and step into the era at our USO‑themed dance\, accompanied by the lively sounds of the Command Performance Big Band starting at 6 pm. \nBoth shows are free to the public. Come dressed in your favorite 1940s outfit and join in the WWII‑era fun\, or bring a chair and relax as you take in the festivities.  Brought to you by dedicated reenactors honoring our military veterans. \nWWII Days Fashion Show \nOn both days of the event\, you can enjoy a 1940s fashion show that brings the era’s style to life. From men’s tailoring to women’s iconic silhouettes\, these talented gals and reenactors will showcase a wide range of looks that defined the decade. \nAxis & Allies both \nThe encampments bring World War II to life with an impressive range of units represented from both the Axis and Allied sides\, creating a balanced and educational look at the global scale of the conflict. Visitors can walk among Polish forces\, German units\, British troops\, American paratroopers\, and other historically accurate portrayals\, each camp offering its own unique perspective on the war. Reenactors take great care to present the uniforms\, equipment\, and daily routines of their respective units with authenticity and respect\, allowing guests to experience the diversity of cultures\, strategies\, and stories that shaped the era. This blend of international representation transforms the event into a living\, breathing history lesson that honors all who served and helps modern audiences understand the complexity of WWII. \nScavenger Hunts for All Ages \nFamilies are invited to explore the encampments through scavenger hunts that turn learning into an adventure. With a list in hand\, children search for specific uniforms\, vehicles\, cooking tools\, and other WWII related items throughout the grounds. The activity keeps younger visitors engaged while encouraging them to observe details they might otherwise overlook and learn first-hand about what soldiers had with them at their camps. It’s a playful way to introduce history while keeping the experience interactive and fun as well as a chance for children to ask questions of the reenactors.  Collect Trading Cards at select locations and get a reward for completing the scavenger hunt. \nTeaching Younger Generations During School Days on Friday June 19 \nReenactors are passionate educators\, always ready to answer questions and share stories. They explain how soldiers lived\, what families experienced on the home front\, how technology evolved between WWII and the 1940s\, and why preserving these memories matters. For many children\, this is their first hands‑on encounter with the past—one that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression. Through conversation and demonstration\, reenactors ensure that history remains alive\, accessible\, and meaningful.  WWII Days School Day is June 19th from 9 AM to Noon.  $3 per student and parents are free.  Reserve your spot and purchase your school day tickets online at https://www.oldfallsvillagepark.org/school-days \nWWII Days at Old Falls Village Park is on June 19-21\, 2026 in Menomonee Falls WI at Old Falls Village Park! \nEvent Details: \n\nDates: June 19-21\, 2026\nLocation: Old Falls Village Park\, Menomonee Falls\, WI\nAdmission Saturday and Sunday only: Adults $10\, Children under 12 $5\, Children under 5 are Free\, and Veterans $5\nParking: Available On-Site\, FREE\nBattles: at 2 pm each day\nTickets available at the Gate (cash or credit cards accepted)\nAdvancedTickets:  oldfallsvillagepark.org/world-war-2-days\n\nFor more information\, including a detailed schedule of events and directions to the venue\, please visit our event website \, email us or call 262-239-1489. \nJoin us for a weekend of remembrance\, reflection\, and reverence as we honor the heroes of World War II at Old Falls Village Park. \n 
URL:https://outandaboutwisconsin.com/event/wwii-re-enactment-weekend-at-old-falls-village-park/
LOCATION:OLD FALLS VILLAGE PARK\, N96W15791 County Line Rd\, MENOMONEE FALLS\, 53051\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational,Family Fun,Historical,Outdoor Recreation
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260731
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260803
DTSTAMP:20260613T052309
CREATED:20260603T213523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T213626Z
UID:10010081-1785456000-1785715199@outandaboutwisconsin.com
SUMMARY:1960’s Era and Vietnam War Reenactment at Old Falls Village Park
DESCRIPTION:Mail Call: The Lifeline to Home\nReenacting the Moments That Held Vietnam War Soldiers Connected to Home\nThere are parts of war that never make it into the textbooks – the quiet moments\, the fragile ones\, the ones that held a soldier’s heart together when everything else around him was falling apart. In Vietnam\, that moment was mail call. \nFor the men who served\, letters weren’t luxuries. They were anchors\, reminders that somewhere beyond the jungle\, beyond the mud and monsoon rains\, beyond the fear that clung to them like a second skin\, there was still a world that cared whether they lived to see another sunrise. \nReenacting that moment at our Vietnam War Reenactment event last year\, it wasn’t just a performance. It was a step into their boots\, a chance to feel – if only faintly – the emotional gravity of what those envelopes meant.  We set out to honor that emotional truth – not through spectacle\, but through stillness. What we discovered was that reenacting mail call didn’t just teach history. It made us feel it. \nDuring the Vietnam War\, mail call was a lifeline. With no internet\, no email\, no video chats\, and no instant communication of any kind\, postal mail was the only way for service members to reach back home. Letters became treasured artifacts – read\, re‑read\, folded into pockets\, and carried into the field. For many soldiers\, the sound of their name during mail call was the one moment that cut through the isolation of war\, reminding them that someone far away still cared\, still waited\, still wrote.\n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nWaiting for a Name\nWhen we all gathered for Mail Call as reenactors and spectators\, the air shifted. Conversations quieted. People stood a little straighter. Even though we weren’t in a warzone\, the anticipation felt real. You could sense it in the stillness\, in the way everyone’s eyes followed the “mail clerk” as he approached with the canvas bag slung over his shoulder. \nFor a moment\, we weren’t spectators. We were soldiers waiting for our names. \nAnd that waiting\, God\, that waiting\, was its own kind of ache.  Because waiting is universal. And hope is universal. And in that moment\, we felt both. \nIn Vietnam\, days blurred together. Time stretched. A letter could take weeks\, sometimes months. Some never arrived at all. But when it did… it was everything. \nThe Sound of Hope\nAs the reenactor began calling out names\, something unexpected happened. People reacted. Not dramatically\, not theatrically – just honestly. \nA smile. A breath released. A hand reaching out a little too quickly. \nEven though we knew it was staged\, the emotional truth of the moment hit hard. Because for Vietnam soldiers\, hearing their name meant they hadn’t been forgotten. It meant someone back home was still writing\, still caring\, still holding onto them across oceans and battlefields. \nAnd for those whose names weren’t called\, the silence was its own story. Soldiers felt that sting too—the fear that maybe the world had moved on without them. \nOpening the Envelope\nDuring the reenactment\, participants opened their “letters” – some filled with period‑accurate handwriting\, others with recreated notes from “home.” Watching people unfold those papers was unexpectedly powerful. You could see it on their faces: the realization that these small\, fragile sheets once carried the weight of a soldier’s sanity. \nIn Vietnam\, a letter could lift a man for days. It could remind him of birthdays missed\, of kids growing up\, of a wife’s love\, of a mother’s prayers.  Of a world that still existed beyond the war. \nReenacting that moment brought history out of the textbooks and into the heart. \nWalking in Their Shoes\nWhat struck many of us most was how ordinary the letters were—yet how extraordinary they felt in that setting. A simple “We miss you” or “Stay safe” suddenly carried emotional weight. It reminded us that soldiers weren’t just fighting a war; they were fighting loneliness\, fear\, and the ache of separation. \nBy stepping into their shoes\, even briefly\, we understood something deeper: \nMail call wasn’t just a routine. It was survival. It was identity. It was the thread that tied a soldier to the life he hoped to return to. \nAnd reenacting it reminded us that behind every uniform was a young man holding onto hope with both hands. \nMail Call had done what history does best when honored properly: It connected us. It reminded us. It humbled us. \nHonoring Their Stories\nOur reenactment wasn’t about pretending. It was about remembering. About honoring the emotional landscape of a war that shaped a generation. About recognizing that sometimes the most powerful moments aren’t the battles – they’re the quiet ones. \nMail Call was the moment that kept soldiers going. It was the heartbeat of a soldier’s day.   Reenacting it allowed us to feel that heartbeat\, even for a moment. And in doing so\, we honored every Vietnam veteran who once stood in the heat\, sweat dripping down his back\, rifle slung over his shoulder\, waiting for the sound of his name – and the letter that might carry him through another day. \nAnd in doing so\, we honored every Vietnam veteran who once stood in the heat\, sweat dripping down his back\, rifle slung over his shoulder\, waiting for the sound of his name – and the letter that might carry him through another day. \nJoin us at the Vietnam War Reenactment and share in this experience as Reenactors receive a letter from home.  A letter of support.  Something special from home.  Reenactors too spend a lot of time representing a soldier of the time\, this is one way they too feel like they are appreciated too. \nA Call to Honor Our Veterans \nJoin us in creating a heartfelt Thank You Card and writing words of encouragement for our American Veterans during our reenactment event. \nThese messages of gratitude will be delivered to Honor Flight Veterans departing from Milwaukee\, offering them a personal reminder of the appreciation they have earned through their service. \nYour letter may even accompany a Veteran on their journey home from Washington\, D.C.\, giving them a moment of connection\, pride\, and support from you. \nCome join us on this immersive journey as we honor history\, share authentic demonstrations\, and connect with the experiences of those who served at the 1960’s Era and Vietnam War Reenactment at Old Falls Village Park in Menomonee Falls WI the first weekend in August.  Fore more information\, please go to www.oldfallsvillagepark.com. \n\nGALLERY\n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\n\nEvent Details: \n1960’s Era and Vietnam War Reenactment \nDates: July 31 and August 1-2\, 2026 \nTime: Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM \nLocation: Old Falls Village Park\, N96W15791 County Line Rd.\, Menomonee Falls\, WI 53051 \nAdmission: Adults $10\, Children under 12 $5\, Children under 5 are Free\, and Veterans are FREE  \nParking: Available On-Site\, FREE \nAdvanced Tickets Available:  here  or at the event entrance booth when you arrive. \nJuly 31st Vietnam War Reenactment School Days:  9 AM to Noon.  $3 per students and parents are free.  Reserve your spot and purchase tickets at here \nJuly 31st Friday Night Biergarten:  Enjoy a summer evening at our Friday Night Biergarten and Fish Fry on July 31\, featuring live music by The Souvenirs Band and a classic Fish Fry starting at 4 PM.  No Cover Charge. \n 
URL:https://outandaboutwisconsin.com/event/1960s-era-and-vietnam-war-reenactment-at-old-falls-village-park/
LOCATION:OLD FALLS VILLAGE PARK\, N96W15791 County Line Rd\, MENOMONEE FALLS\, 53051\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational,Family Fun,Food and Drink,Historical,Outdoor Recreation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://outandaboutwisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/foOFV-Vietnam.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Friends Of Old Falls Village Park":MAILTO:events@OldFallsVillagePark.com
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