Neewollah is the largest annual festival in Kansas. The city of Independence will grow from a town of around 8,500 inhabitants to 75,000 in the final days of the now 9-day celebration.
Festival Schedule:
9:00am - 4:30pm: Arts & Crafts Show
The Arts & Crafts Show has been a main stay of the Neewollah festival over the years. Bringing in high quality hand crafted items has been a priority. This is a great time to shop for Christmas. Unusual and distinctive crafts, framed artwork, and photos abound with 35-40 booths.
Location: Downtown Independence between the VFW & Equity Bank. 100 block of East Myrtle.
10:00am - 10:00pm: Carnival
The Neewollah Carnival is brought to you by WEEE Entertainment this year. One of the favorites in the Neewollah tradition, the carnival is a plethora of glittering lights and delighted screams. The Carnival is fun for the whole family; the adults seem to enjoy the rides just as much or more than the kids do! The flashing lights and sounds of the Midway leak out even onto the bandstand.
Location: Downtown Independence
11:00am: Grand Parade
The two hour long Grand Parade will start at the corner of Penn and Chestnut. It proceeds from Memorial Hall south on Main St. east to Sixth St., south one block to Maple where it turns west to Ninth St. The final leg travels north on Ninth St. ending just short of the Independence Middle School. The Grand Parade is exceedingly well attended. Parade goers set up chairs on the front row in the wee hours of the morning on parade day. There are free street acts, the carnival, and food concessions along Penn Ave. both before and after the Neewollah Grand Parade.
Location: Downtown Independence
1:30pm: Marching Band Festival
The Neewollah Marching Festival is one of the longest running festivals in the state or area. In accordance with regulations approved by KSHSAA, we are able to offer to any band that wishes to compete for top honors, the opportunity to compete in the Best of Class category. This is an option and not a requirement for anyone entering the parade and field competition. The Best of Class category will be grouped into four groups, based on your band size, not district size. In addition, there will be Trophies awarded, in each class, for the Outstanding Drum Major, Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion Line. The GRAND CHAMPION OF THE FESTIVAL will also receive a trophy.
Location: Shulthis Stadium, Riverside Park
8:00PM: Tyler Farr
Gates Open @ 5:00PM
Pre-Show @ 5:30PM
Location: Downtown Independence
