Annual Events
Come out with your family and enjoy Dalton Defenders Days. The first weekend in October, Coffeyville citizens take a minute to celebrate those who defended the town’s banks from the Dalton Gang in 1892. Enjoy the Dalton Raid re-enactment, craft & food vendors, kid’s games, & more!
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. In the beginning the events centered on parades, morning, afternoon, and night on October 31. Today Neewollah is the largest annual celebration in Kansas. The city of Independence will grow from a town of just under 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 Kiddie Parade), a Kiddies Parade and a Grand Parade. Chili Cook-off, a hometown musical, band competition and queen's pageant also add to the festival activities. The main downtown is filled with 30 plus food vendors, a large carnival and bandstand for nightly entertainment.
Saddle up every August for the Inter-State Fair & Rodeo. This 5 day event will include demolition derby, bull riding, rodeo, food & commercial vendors, livestock show, bake sale, carnival & much more! For over 110 years, the community has gathered together to celebrate with a wide variety of activities for all ages.
Mayfest is held in Caney each Memorial Day Weekend and attracts over 5,000 attendees annually. Activities occur on Friday and Saturday, including art and food vendors, games and contests in Wark Park, Historical Society activiies, Fourth and Live Concert Series, a 5K run, car show, alumni homecoming and Shoot-the-U.. There is also a Memorial Service on Monday at Veteran's Memorial Park, just south of Sunnyside Cemetery.
Sample brews, wines and specialty cocktails from around the four state area. Along with great drinks to sample, there will be live music, food trucks, cornhole tournament, games, vendors and more! This vibrant event takes place every October in Coffeyville.
An annual parade in Independence honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation. It is a day filled with pride, patriotism, and unity every year!
Banner image photo credit: Caitlin Shepard.
