- Neewollah
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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.[1] 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.
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. There are many events that occur during the celebration such as the Chili Cook-off, a musical, a Queen Neelah Pageant, Arts and Craft Show, Great Pumpkin Contest, Band Competition, Fun Run and Bike Ride. All of this comes together because of the volunteer work of over 500 community volunteers.
Queen Neelah Pageant
Queen Neelah is a tradition of the Neewollah festival. Girls ages 17–18 from independence and neighboring cities are allowed to compete in this pageant, usually there are around 25-30 contestants. There are two nights of the pageant, the talent portion and then the coronation. However, there are many activity's the contestants must attend behind the scenes, such as the pop party, a tea party, a brunch, and they are also interviewed by the judges and have to create a bio. On the coronation night the girls dress up in their dresses and walk the stage one at a time, at the end of the night the awards are handed out. The awards are miss talent, miss originality, miss beauty, miss interview, miss fashion, miss poise, miss personality, miss photogenic, 2nd runner up, 1st runner up, and Queen Neelah.
Other Neewollah Celebrations
University of St. Thomas (Texas)
References
Categories:- Festivals in Kansas
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