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:

Friday, October 18, 2024

7:00PM: Elf the Musical

Director - Paul Molnar
Assistant Director - Ashley Hovell
Producers - Cody Dixon & Lori Wesselowski
Conductor- Brandon Halberg
Vocal Director - Theresa Fischer
Assistant Vocal Director - Bradley Gray
Scenic & Lighting Design- Joel Williams
Scenic Design Assistant - Brenda Johnson
Dance Choreographer- Sarah Schwatken
Dance Captain - Paighton Hall
Sound Technician - Chris Moore
Stage Manager- Lynette Williams
Assistant Stage Manager- Taylor Mason
Props Chair - Lorraine Emmot
Costume Design Chair - Leslie Coder
Hair Design Chairs - Chelsea Bailey & Angela Stroud
Make-up Design Chairs - Meagan Moore & Yalanda Moore
Publicity - Alexa Ysusi
Cast Party Chair - Pam Passauer
Casting Associate - Dee Byrd-Molnar
Audition Consultant - Lisa Paige

Location: Memorial Hall, Independence, KS

Saturday, October 19, 2024

5K & 10K Race and Fun Run:

5k/10k
Time: 8:30 AM (Registration starts at 7AM)
Location: Riverside Park Oval

Fun Run
Time: 10:00AM
Location: Riverside Park Oval

5K & 10K Co-Chairs : Christine Webster & Tabi Morrell
Fun Run Co-Chairs: Tammy Roth & Mike Rose

Click here to Register.

11:00am: Chili Cook-Off & Dessert Contest

Come out and sample a variety of chilis and desserts. Some of the best chili preparers in Southeast Kansas will battle it out for first place. Bakers can enter their delicious, sweet treats in the annual dessert competition. The day’s activities will also include Free & Fun Kids Activities, a music D.J., small stage performances including local community dance and cheer teams, and awards galore.

12:00pm: Medallion Hunt

The Medallion Hunt is an event that captures the entire town come Neewollah time. Clues are released each day, and the hunt begins. Participants search scenic Independence for the infamous Medallion. The Medallion, when turned in, is worth $250 without a Neewollah button, or $500 if the finder has a button. Buttons may be purchased at Neewollah HQ.

The first clue will be announced at the BBQ Cookoff

7:00PM: Elf the Musical

Director - Paul Molnar
Assistant Director - Ashley Hovell
Producers - Cody Dixon & Lori Wesselowski
Conductor- Brandon Halberg
Vocal Director - Theresa Fischer
Assistant Vocal Director - Bradley Gray
Scenic & Lighting Design- Joel Williams
Scenic Design Assistant - Brenda Johnson
Dance Choreographer- Sarah Schwatken
Dance Captain - Paighton Hall
Sound Technician - Chris Moore
Stage Manager- Lynette Williams
Assistant Stage Manager- Taylor Mason
Props Chair - Lorraine Emmot
Costume Design Chair - Leslie Coder
Hair Design Chairs - Chelsea Bailey & Angela Stroud
Make-up Design Chairs - Meagan Moore & Yalanda Moore
Publicity - Alexa Ysusi
Cast Party Chair - Pam Passauer
Casting Associate - Dee Byrd-Molnar
Audition Consultant - Lisa Paige

Location: Memorial Hall, Independence, KS

Sunday, October 20, 2024

2:00PM: Elf the Musical

Director - Paul Molnar
Assistant Director - Ashley Hovell
Producers - Cody Dixon & Lori Wesselowski
Conductor- Brandon Halberg
Vocal Director - Theresa Fischer
Assistant Vocal Director - Bradley Gray
Scenic & Lighting Design- Joel Williams
Scenic Design Assistant - Brenda Johnson
Dance Choreographer- Sarah Schwatken
Dance Captain - Paighton Hall
Sound Technician - Chris Moore
Stage Manager- Lynette Williams
Assistant Stage Manager- Taylor Mason
Props Chair - Lorraine Emmot
Costume Design Chair - Leslie Coder
Hair Design Chairs - Chelsea Bailey & Angela Stroud
Make-up Design Chairs - Meagan Moore & Yalanda Moore
Publicity - Alexa Ysusi
Cast Party Chair - Pam Passauer
Casting Associate - Dee Byrd-Molnar
Audition Consultant - Lisa Paige

Location: Memorial Hall, Independence, KS

Monday, October 21, 2024

7PM: Queen Talent

The Queen Neelah Talent Night is a fun filled evening where the public meets the contestants for the first time as they showcase their talent on stage.

Prices: $10 and $12

Location: Memorial Hall

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

7pm: Queen Coronation

The Queen Neelah Pageant is a pageant of beauty, poise, and grace, in which more than twenty high school Seniors from the area compete to reign over Neewollah as Queen Neelah.

Prices: $12 and $14

Location: Memorial Hall

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

5:00pm - 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

Thursday, October 24, 2024

5:00pm - 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

6:00pm: DooDah Parade

The Doo Dah Parade is the adult only event of Neewollah. It offers those who are still kids at heart a chance to celebrate in their own special way. From year to year there may be an overall theme, while other years it's a free for all. The Mardi Gras type parade extends from Memorial Hall to just south of Penn and Main. A King and Queen Doo Dah are selected each year to preside over the parade of rowdies that is liberally sprinkled with a variety of odd drill teams, bearded beauties, and unusual creatures.

Time: 5:00pm line-up in front of Memorial Hall, 6:00pm start time

Location: Downtown Independence

8:00PM: Dueling Pianos

Experience the high-energy fun of Dueling Pianos, where two talented pianists face off in a lively performance filled with upbeat, crowd-pleasing songs and lighthearted comedy. This interactive show invites the audience to request their favorite tunes by placing written requests and tips on the pianos. The musicians play through these requests, starting with the highest tips, ensuring a night of music tailored to your desires and packed with entertainment. Join us for a memorable, request-driven musical showdown!

Location: Dickey's Barbecue Pit (204 N Pennsylvania Ave

Friday, October 25, 2024

3:00pm - 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

4:00 pm: Kiddie Parade

One of the big attractions of the annual Neewollah Celebration is the Parade of the Children. The Children's parade was organized years ago for the enjoyment of the children of Independence and surrounding area. This event has grown to over 1,000 children participating. In recent years, as many as 14 Middle School bands from all over eastern Kansas have marched in the Kiddie Parade, and floats have grown to over 30 strong thanks to the participation of numerous families and organization.

Location: Downtown Independence

Saturday October 26, 2024

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

Fest Date: October 18 - 26, 2024

Location: Various Locations in Independence, KS

Click here for more information.