Odessa, Washington became a community of predominantly Germans, emigrating from Russia to the USA in the late 1800's and into the early 1900's. In 1971 the Odessa Chamber of Commerce decided to try a community festival celebrating this German heritage; thus, giving birth to the "Odessa Deutschesfest." What started as a simple idea has grown into an area-wide celebration, hosting thousands of visitors with locally made German foods and around-the-clock entertainment.
A big part of the success of the festival was the formation of a German Band, named the "Oom Pa's and Ma's," specializing in polkas and waltzes. In 1971, the first band consisted of 9 members and played before a packed Bier Garten. The band has grown to as many as 27 members playing for thousands of listeners and dancers yearly. The band consists of both local and regional musicians; some traveling great distances from their communities- Over the years, 75 different musicians have been a part of the "Oom Pa's and Ma's." Many long minutes of practice are held every year to prepare for the “Fest.” Business people, farmers, teachers, home makers, etc., put on their musical hats and meet in Odessa to hone their instrumental skills. The "Oom Pa's and Ma's" have played internationally and for numerous community fairs, festivals and special events.
A big part of the success of the festival was the formation of a German Band, named the "Oom Pa's and Ma's," specializing in polkas and waltzes. In 1971, the first band consisted of 9 members and played before a packed Bier Garten. The band has grown to as many as 27 members playing for thousands of listeners and dancers yearly. The band consists of both local and regional musicians; some traveling great distances from their communities- Over the years, 75 different musicians have been a part of the "Oom Pa's and Ma's." Many long minutes of practice are held every year to prepare for the “Fest.” Business people, farmers, teachers, home makers, etc., put on their musical hats and meet in Odessa to hone their instrumental skills. The "Oom Pa's and Ma's" have played internationally and for numerous community fairs, festivals and special events.
Odessa Washington is a very small town and Kristina and I came upon it one day as we were traveling to a bigger city. We came into this town and instantly fell in love. Its clean and so pretty and the cost of housing is phenomenal. Kristina and I both swore that one day we would move there. I don't think this will actually happen since we love it where we are, but I wouldn't mind one day buying a house there as a place to escape from the pressures of daily life.
Stop by their website and if you ever get the chance to travel to Washington, you must take a drive by Odessa.
Stop by their website and if you ever get the chance to travel to Washington, you must take a drive by Odessa.
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