WOOSTER – Josh Lehman knew there would be some activity at his fantasy and science fiction-themed shop called Operation Fandom on May the Fourth.

He organized a day-long Star Wars celebration on May 4 complete with 10% to 20% discounts on Star Wars action figures and helmets while cosplayers dressed in costumes.

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But as he watched families and enthusiasts stream into his store on South Market Street in Wooster, he realized just how busy his one-man show would be.

"They are keeping me busy," said Lehman, in between a long line of customers. "This is what I wanted it to be; a bright spot in the day for kids on a gray day."

That day he stayed open two hours later than normal. At 7 p.m., he closed up shop and went to Grigio Wine and Cocktail bar where he mingled with customers, friends and cosplayers.

In the six years since he opened Operation Fandom in Wooster, it has become a place for people to enjoy fantasy and sci-fi universes ranging from Star Wars to Harry Potter and cult classic films.

Lehman also owns Blackbird Records in Wooster and a combined Operation Fandom and record store in downtown Mansfield, he said.

Childhood inspired fun

Lehman grew up with Star Wars and is still a dedicated fan.

Inspired by the days when he watched Star Wars and Star Trek with his father, he opened Operation Fandom in 2018.

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Lehman hoped to sell antique action figures, comics and collectibles, but that quickly morphed into something much more.

"My wife and kids are huge Harry Potter fans, so I introduced Harry Potter wands and figures and things," Lehmans said. "We held Harry Potter events from the beginning in year one."

After opening six years ago, he organized events for the newer Fantastic Beasts franchise and the classic Back to the Future series, he said.

"Weather permitting we would have DeLoreans outside," Lehman said.

Now, Lehman has expanded his stock from antiques to modern collectibles.

"Thirty years being in the industry, I've connected with people," he said. "A lot of vintage stuff comes through those doors."

Bringing Star Wars to life

Jay Krebs has a life-long love of Star Wars. She is a Triway High School teacher by day and a Star Wars fan and cosplayer by night.

On May 4, she quickly drove home to put on her Ahsoka Tano outfit. Donning the head-to-toe makeup and custom-made clothes usually takes four hours.

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That Wednesday, she did it in 2 1/2 hours, she said.

Once finished, Krebs made for Operation Fandom where she met up with Lehman and two other cosplayers, including one from Orrville.

There she posed for photos with customers and children dressed in their own costumes.

"I just love seeing the smiles on their faces," Krebs said.

She inherited her love of costume making from her mother, a seamstress. She remembers helping her organize and make clothes, she never wore them.

Her love of Star Wars goes back to the first time she watched "A New Hope" in theaters when it was released. She was hooked ever since.

Now, Krebs hosts a podcast titled Podcast Stardust and cosplays across the U.S.

She designed her customized Ahsoka Tano costume in 2015. The lightsaber hilts are 3D printed while the headpiece is carbon fiber, she said.

"I've made many adjustments to the costume over the years," she said.

With Tano's storyline unfolding in newer Star Wars shows, the costume will continue to morph.

"I think Ahsoka Tano is everything good about humanity; it's someone a lot of girls can aspire to be," Krebs said. "She is also a great butt kicker."

Reach Bryce by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com

On Twitter: @Bryce_Buyakie

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Cosplayers, fans and kids celebrate Star Wars at Operation Fandom