Where the grass is always bluer

Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 16, 2006

There’s something about the south end of Kitsap County that just feels more down-homey than points to the north, making it the perfect location for a bluegrass festival.

The town of Olalla has been doing just that for 15 years. Aug. 19 marks the “15th Ever Olalla Bluegrass (& beyond) Festival,” held at the South Kitsap Little League Field on Olalla Valley Road.

With the somewhat suggestive slogan of “Kick the City Off Your Shoes,” the festival offers bluegrass bands pickin’ and grinnin’ from 11 a.m. to dusk.

Festival founder Charlee Glock-Jackson said they call it “and beyond” because the musical lineup ventures outside the boundaries of true bluegrass.

“This year we have more true bluegrass than the past few years, (but) we’ll still have a jaunt or two into western swing, ragtime and honky-tonk,” she said. “By the end of the day, I’m pretty sure folks will be up dancing and kicking the city off their shoes.”

Helping them do that will be The Old Time Fiddlers, Eclectic Cloggers, Dewgrass, Naugahyde Ride, Rural Delivery, Misty Mamas, Moe Dixon, Great Northern Planes and West Valley Highway.

In addition to the musical acts there will be a “Kiddos and critters” parade at 12:45, a berry pie contest and auction at 1 p.m. and a variety of children’s activities and food and craft vendors. And did I mention the berry pie contest?

“The word ‘olalla’ means ‘place with many berries,’” said Tish Culp, Olalla grange master. “We think that homemade berry pies are a tasty way to honor that heritage.”

Tickets are $12 adults, $7 seniors and kids. A family pass is $32. Parking is $2. Limited camping space is available for $10 per night.

To reach the South Kitsap Little League Field, head south on SR 16, past Port Orchard. Take the Mullenix Road exit, turn left. Go 2.2 miles to the first stop sign, at Olalla Valley Road. Turn right, field is 1.4 miles on the right. Festival Web site is www.olallabluegrass.org.