There's no shortage of great places to visit during fall in Kansas. After all, there's a great variety of things to enjoy in the autumn! Do you want to see the beauty of nature as the leaves change color to golden and red hues? Or do you want to check out some of our allegedly haunted spots? Maybe you're a fan of celebrations like fall festivals and Oktoberfests? Whatever it is you're looking for, you can find somewhere in Kansas that has it. One of the very best places to visit during fall in the Sunflower State is Independence. This small city has a population of just under 9,000, so you may not think there's too much to do here, but it just so happens that one of the largest and oldest Halloween celebrations in Kansas is here in Independence. Check it out:
Neewollah - Halloween spelled backward - is the longest-running annual festival in the Sunflower State. This fun-filled event has been going on since 1919.
The celebration started as a series of parades designed to prevent the mischief and pranks that typically took place around Halloween.
It looked like the Great Depression and World War II might end the festivities, but Neewollah returned bigger and better than ever.
It was revived in the 1950s as a three-day festival and now lasts nine days, with multiple parades, food vendors, a carnival, live entertainment, and so much more.
The event is staffed by 500 volunteers, nearly 5% of the town's entire population! Everyone gets into the Neewollah spirit.
There are all kinds of entertainment, including a musical (the 2022 selection is Peter Pan), a chili cook-off, an arts and crafts show, and more.
There's even a fun run if you'd like to strut your stuff on the streets of Independence!
This is one of the best fall events in Kansas, and it's a yearly spectacle that shouldn't be missed. Independence is truly one of the best Halloween towns in the country!
The 2022 Neewollah celebration will run from October 21 to October 31. You can learn more and check out a calendar of events on the Neewollah website or Facebook page.
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