It Truly Was One Grand Party!
By Jacob Isom | August 26, 2024
Adventures in Odyssey has become the world’s #1 audio drama, and 2024 proved to be a big year for the series. To celebrate the 1,000th episode of Adventures in Odyssey, Focus on the Family and the Odyssey team partnered up hosted One Grand Party, a series of festivities, including a live performance.
It truly was an amazing experience, starting with the “A Night at the Soda Shoppe” on August 1st. I had the privilege to attend this smaller gathering of fans for dinner and and an entertaining evening with the actors: Chris Anthony (Chris), Katie Leigh (Connie Kendall), Townsend Coleman, Jess Harnell (Wooton Bassett), Gregory Jbarra (Wilson Knox), Shona Rodman (Jules Kendall), and Robby Bruce (Buck Oliver Meltsner). Also at the event were Phil Lollar, Kathy Buchanan, Marsal Younger, Chuck Bolte, Paul McCusker, Dave Arnold, and others. Fans of the Official Podcast also had the chance to interact with host Bob Smithouser.”
Attendees of the dinner enjoyed a more intimate setting with opportunities to meet and interact with writers, actors, sound designers, and the Odyssey team, and even have their picture taken with the cast. “A Night at the Soda Shoppe” served as a wonderful kick-off to the events of “One Grand Party” in Colorado Springs.
Of course, one doesn’t simply visit Focus on the Family for such a “grand” event without getting their photo taken in front of the sign out front.
On August 2nd, “Experience Odyssey” allowed thousands (yes, over 6,000—perhaps even more?) to visit the Focus on the Family campus and experience the sights and sounds of Odyssey. Numerous displays were set up, including an interactive Bible Room with the Imagination Station, and fans could hop inside. Familiar locations in the town of Odyssey were set up all around Focus, including Whit’s End, Triple J Antiques, the Electric Palace, Odyssey Community Church, and more.
Perhaps one of my favorite displays was the “1,000 Episodes Timeline,” showcasing highlights from the Episode 1 to 1,000. It’s always nice to look back on Adventures in Odyssey’s rich history.
And who wouldn’t want to stop by the soda counter at Whit’s End and get a photo with Connie Kendall?
“Experience Odyssey” was jam-packed with displays, activities, and even special presentations. One of the highlights for fans of all ages was going behind-the-scenes at the panels and demonstrations scheduled throughout the event. The Writers’ Q&A was a smash hit and offered a glimpse into the hard work put into creating every episode. Gary Locke, Odyssey artist, also provided a demonstration of how to draw John Avery Whittaker and answer fans’ questions. John Campbell, composer for the show, also provided a demonstration in creating the music of Odyssey. Whether you attended the Odyssey Creators’ Panel (featuring Dave Arnold, Paul McCusker, Phil Lollar, and Chuck Bolte), learned about sound design, visited the Whit’s End Welcome Center, collected exclusive AIO trading cards, competed in a trivia panel, or waited in line for an autograph session with your favorite actor, there was something for everyone who attended. With so much to do and so little time, it was fun mapping out your experience and trying to hit as many displays and presentations as possible.
If you were privileged to attend the Creators’ Panel, you were able to listen to the creators reminisce about decades of work and efforts put into the show. Most of all, you were able to catch a glimpse at their heart for the show.
The celebration concluded on August 3rd with “One Grand Show,” a live performance at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The Odyssey team put on an entertaining and polished performance. It was very special to see the actors perform as John Campbell played live music and artist Gary Locke illustrated a scene from the show as it happened. The excitement from the Odyssey team and fans alike was a refreshing experience and an awesome celebration of such a huge milestone.
Of course, Chris Anthony brought even more energy to the room as host (although it could be argued that the fans had enough energy on their own). Following the live show, the actors participated in a Q&A as well.
Words cannot express how amazing “One Grand Party” was, except I did want to mention how refreshing it was to see the creators, writers, sound designers, and actors sense of humility and gratitude throughout the events. The excitement and passion they shared with the fans as they celebrated alongside us was such a touching sight to see. The amount of time and attention to detail that went in to creating such an amazing experience for the fans did not go unnoticed. Having the opportunity to meet and interact with such great people—including countless fans—is something I will never forget. “One Grand Party” was perhaps the largest gathering of fans ever and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend and witness God’s blessings on the program firsthand.
Unable to attend “One Grand Party?” Stay tuned in the days ahead as Focus on the Family shares highlights from the events. Here’s to 1,000 more episodes of the award-winning series, Adventures in Odyssey!
