Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween Activities


Independence, Kansas is home to the oldest and largest celebration in the state of Kansas - Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards.) The celebration dates back to 1919 when the idea was developed to give young and old positive activities to participate in instead of the typical pranks that were a part of that time.

The celebration has grown into a 10-day event and in the final 3 days there are parades to entertain residents and visitors alike.

Our family began going to Neewollah when Son was in high school band. The parade on Saturday includes bands from around the area who are also in town to compete in a band competition.

Last year I didn't get to go. The weather wasn't cooperating and we really didn't want to stand in the rain to watch any of the parades.


Besides the parades there are carnival rides and many food vendors to tempt your taste buds. 


Thursday AD and I drove up for the Doo Dah parade, kind of a kiddie parade for adults. One of my favorite parts was this sweet dog who rode on the bumper of a fire truck. At intervals the truck would stop and his trainer would give him a sign.


The dog would jump down, go over to the trainer, then return to the truck to pull a rope and ring a bell attached to the bumper.


All sorts of craziness goes on during the parade. This group did a take off of a current tv commercial. The sign on the front says, "Will we save Doo Dah by acting psycho? Does the little piggy cry wee, wee, wee all the way home?"


On Friday AD and I returned for the Kiddie Parade. That parade lasted 57 minutes. I timed it because I wanted to come back for the big parade on Saturday.

There were a number of bands that participated in the parade, most of them from middle schools.


Pets were another part of the parade. There were lots of pooches dressed up for Neewollah and I even saw one cat.


Of course there were many, many kids. This young man's costume was my favorite of all. I don't know if there are any prizes given for costumes but if there are he should have won the grand prize!



What parade would be complete without horses. This little trick rider rode standing on her horse for the entire parade.



This rider needed a helper. Seems he'd lost his head.

Unfortunately we didn't go back for Saturday's parade. It was scheduled to start at 11:00am and G1 and G2 were competing in the final enduro race of the year. I was afraid there wasn't time for us to get back and get everything loaded up to get to the track. Maybe next year. . .

15 comments:

  1. Cool parade. We had one trick-or-treater. Next year I'm thinking of just buying pet treats and taking them to Dog-o-ween!

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  2. What a great way to celebrate Holloween so different and so positive.

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  3. How absolutely cool to belong to a community that has that fun an attitude. Hope your Gs did well in the enduro.

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  4. That looks like a lot of fun! Can't believe I lived up that way and never heard of it before!!

    Liz

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  5. Wow...what a celebration?!! Things are quite dull here in comparison!!

    Take care ~Natalie

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  6. Oh Granny!
    You attended the arch nemesis of Arkalalah!!! They have been rivals for years!

    We actually haven't attended Arkalalah for the past several years since we've stayed in Branson and missed it...this is me not giving a hoot. We had the twins (age 2) delivered to us on Tuesday for the events of the week and took them to the first parade on Wednesday night. Hubster and I looked at each other and said "we should have stayed in Branson another week!" lol By the end of the kiddie parade on Friday they had sensory overload and we took them home Saturday morning and didn't go to the BIG Saturday parade...this is me saying Yippee! It's just not all it used to be!

    Glad you had fun thoooooooooo! Did you say wee wee wee all the way home?

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  7. Looks like a fun time...my niece's dog Lily had the same hot dog costume you have in one of your photos.

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  8. Good Morning Sweetie...
    Wow what a wonderful time you had. I have never heard of this place or the celebration, but what fun is being had by all.

    I always love seeing the firetrucks in the parade, as they always have something fun going on.

    Loved the costume of the little boy from Alice and Wonderland, great costume and yes he should have won something. I agree. Loved it.

    Now that little trick rider, that is quite a thing to be able to go the entire parade standing up. My legs would be killing me. What a trouper.

    Loved the headless horseman on the other horse. How cute and creative these folks were.

    Halloween spelled backwards. I love it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful day with me. It has been so exciting.

    A beautiful day here in the desert. Probably reach around 90 today. Perfect weather for us "Zonies".

    Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  9. What a fun event! It's a great time of year for something like that. I don't enjoy festivals as much in the heat of the summer.

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  10. 10 days? Now that's what I call a celebration.

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  11. Yes, give that young man the grand prize!!!

    Loved the *weiner* dog!!

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  12. That sure does look like a great event.
    I loved the one of the horse with a headless rider. What a clever idea.
    Hope the Gs did good in their event.
    have a great Monday

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  13. Fascinating Facts. What Fun! Thanks for the BD Wishes for Shari!

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  14. Looks like so much fun!
    I wish they did something like that around here.
    We have the Boo Ha Ha in our little town. The business along Main St. put out decorated tables full of candy and a few games. And the local radio station is also there. The tables line both sides of the street. It's okay, but not like a PARADE.

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  15. This looks like a blast. I have wanted to go to Independence since I read the Little House books years and years ago.

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