[5] When it opened in 1978, the proprietors were primarily from Germany and Austria, but the Village has become more ethnically diverse over time.

[1][7] In the 1980s, the Village had an internal feud, with owners of the live-work establishments accusing Bischof of a "reign of terror".

[8] The Village holds annual German events, including an Oktoberfest[9] and dachshund races.

[10] Over time, events for other ethnic and cultural groups have been held at the Village, including Greek,[11] Irish,[12] Scottish,[13] and South American[14] festivals.

[16] Old World Village was parodied in the television show Arrested Development as the English enclave "Wee Britain".