Sandy Nelson wanted to do something to foster an appreciation and knowledge of the German culture and traditions.

She wanted to connect German speaking people and give them opportunities to speak the German language.

She realized her dream when she founded the German Club of Olympia.

"We have a lot of military wives who are members who are here while their husbands are stationed here," Nelson, who makes a living as a real estate broker, said. "Other members retired here.  We meet once a month and share our culture."

Now 80 members strong, the group will meet Saturday to serve German foods at the annual Ethnic Celebration held by the city of Olympia. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Washington Center for Performing Arts located at 512 Washington Street SE, in Olympia.

"The ethnic festival will feature people and activities from a lot of different countries," Nelson the President of the German Club of Olympia, said. "For people who lived in these countries, or were born in these countries, this event is a little bit of home.  For those people who aren't from one of these countries, it will be an opportunity to learn more about their culture."

The festival will include ongoing activities and entertainment.  For starters, there will be  Filipino, Chinese, Irish, Cambodian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Hawaiian dances and music. Resource tables will be open for organizations such as the Olympia Bonsai Club, Celtic Society of South Puget Sound and the Sons of Italy.  Also attendees can try their hands at playing instruments from other countries.

Also at the event, Asian, Indian, Italian, Mexican and French foods will be served. The German club will serve Bratwurst and sauerkraut, soft pretzels, and coffee and sweets.     

For more information go to www.ci.olympia.wa.us.