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. . .
