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WELCOME
Long before I moved to Independence and became involved in the greatest annual celebration in Kansas, I knew that Neewollah was "Somethin’ Special!"
When my two children were young, we always circled the last week in October on the calendar. Though we weren’t part of this wonderful community back then, we always felt a part of the fun, the fellowship and the excitement that Independence and Neewollah so warmly and graciously offer to visitors of all ages.
It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to Independence for the 2010 celebration, October 22-30. There’s no doubt about it… Neewollah is truly "Somethin’ Special!"
Fred Meier Generalissimo
2010 Neewollah Logo Contest Begins!
Fred Meier, 2010 Neewollah Generalissimo, has announced the theme for this October’s celebration will be; Neewollah 2010: "Somethin’ Special!” Area residents of all ages are invited to enter the Neewollah 2010 Logo Contest. ITSO, Independence Thespian Society Organization, will coordinate the competition. For more information and to download the Logo Contest Form go to Logo Contest.
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Queen Neelah LXVIII
Brittany Meyer
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Thoroughly Fun Pictures!
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Neewollah 2009: Thoroughly Fun!
Thank you from Sean Clapp, 2009 Neewollah Generalissimo
I would like to thank one and all for attending "Neewollah 2009: Thoroughly Fun”. We look forward to seeing you in 2010!
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ABOUT NEEWOLLAH
Neewollah celebration (Halloween spelled backwards) began in 1919 as an effort to provide positive activities for kids of all ages in place of the typical Halloween pranks that occurred in the community of Independence, Kansas. In the beginning the events centered on parades, morning, afternoon, and night on October 31. The parades consisted mainly of decorated cars and carriages. Queens and princesses from area festivals rode in the parades, along with our own Queen Neelah who was selected based on votes bought at a penny each. The Great Depression and World War II interrupted the Neewollah celebration but in 1958 four businessmen revived and elaborated on the Neewollah theme bringing it back as a 3-day celebration.
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Today Neewollah is the oldest and largest annual celebration in Kansas. The city of Independence will grow from a town of 10,000 inhabitants to 75,000 in the final days of the now 10-day celebration. Today's celebration now includes 3 parades, a Doo Dah Parade (adult Kiddies Parade), a Kiddies Parade and a Grand Parade. Chili Cook-off, a hometown musical and queen's pageant also add to the festival activities. The main downtown is filled with 30 plus food vendors, a large carnival and bandstand for nightly entertainment. The Arts and Craft show, Great Pumpkin contest along with the Band Competition, Fun Run and Bike Ride provided activities for everyone. A Children's show and Professional Saturday night Entertainment bring a conclusion to the diligent efforts of over 500 community volunteers. |
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