[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE OLALLA COMMUNITY CLUB AND THE OLALLA BLUEGRASS & BEYOND 
        FESTIVAL IN THE SOUTH KITSAP REGION OF WASHINGTON STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of the 
Olalla Community Club for their unwavering support of the Olalla 
community through the continuation of the Olalla Bluegrass & Beyond 
Festival into its 22nd year.
   In 1906, the Olalla Hall was built to foster community involvement. 
It was deeded to the Olalla Community Club in 1937 and served the 
community for 45 years as a site for socials, dances, and meetings. 
Unfortunately, the hall closed in the 1980's due to disuse and 
disrepair.
   The Olalla Community Club was called to action in 1992 in response 
to the struggle to save the Banner Forest from residential development. 
As a result of that victory, the small force of the Olalla Community 
Club continued its tireless work in an effort to reinvigorate the 
community by restoring its local hall. The establishment of the Olalla 
Bluegrass & Beyond Festival in 1992 helped attain this goal. Today, all 
proceeds from the festival go right back into the Olalla community. 
This helps to maintain the 107-year old Olalla community hall. Also, 
the festival supports music programs at South Kitsap and Peninsula High 
Schools, the Little League, local PTA, two food banks and other local 
service organizations in the region.
   The word ``Olalla,'' derived from the native Chinook word 
``olallie,'' loosely translates to ``the place with many berries.'' The 
community celebrates its roots by hosting the legendary berry pie 
contest alongside family entertainment, such as local and national 
bluegrass, folk music, and handmade crafts for all festivalgoers to 
enjoy. I can say with firsthand knowledge that this is a terrific--and 
tasty--tradition.
   Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by again applauding the 
dedication of the Olalla Community Club in their effort to preserve and 
further enrich the community of Olalla. I am pleased to recognize the 
work of community members for their ongoing support of the Olalla 
Bluegrass & Beyond Festival today in the United States Congress.

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