Name: Why this Kansas town celebrates Neewollah at the end of October
Uploaded: 2025-10-29T00:41:53.475Z
Duration: 1 min 34 s
Description: In small-town America, local pride comes in many forms. In Independence, Kansas, it takes the shape of Neewollah. Dating back to 1919, it started as an antidote to Halloween mischief.

In small-town America, local pride comes in many forms. In Independence, Kansas, it takes the shape of Neewollah. Dating back to 1919, it started as an antidote to Halloween mischief.

Kansas

Independence, Kansas, experiences a significant population increase each year during Neewollah, a nine-day festival held at the end of October. The event, whose name is 'Halloween' spelled backwards, was established in 1919 as a way to reduce Halloween-related mischief by engaging the community in organized festivities.

Neewollah now attracts nearly 70,000 visitors, making it Kansas's largest and oldest festival. Activities include a talent show to crown a festival queen and various events that emphasize community spirit and togetherness.

Why this Kansas town celebrates Neewollah at the end of October

We end tonight in southeastern Kansas in a town with a population in late October octuples for the big fall holiday. No, it's not Halloween. In fact, as Ian Lee reports, it's the exact opposite. Niwala in small town America, local pride comes in many forms. In Independence, Kansas, it takes the shape of Niwala. The people turn out for this nine day festival celebrating Halloween. The tiny town's population swells from roughly 8000 to nearly 70,000. It's Kansas's largest and oldest festival dating back to 1919. It started as an anecdote to mischief Halloween. Oftentimes people were getting in trouble, and so they thought they could distract all the teenagers. So it sounded like it started by taking the trick out of trick or treat. Exactly. The festival even holds court with a talent show to crown a queen. Have you been practicing your wave? Every time someone says Queen Eli, I'm like, you have. It's all in the wrist. Yes, it's all in the wrist. Just right here. But ask anyone here. What's the true meaning of Niwala? And they'll tell you it's bringing people together. Ian Lee, CBS News Independence, Kansas. Now these folks do it right. Nine day celebration. Who knew? All you gotta do is reverse the name. You get nine days. That's right. I'm good for that.

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