Neewollah gets underway this weekend.

 It's the end of October and in Independence, that means it's time for Neewollah. The yearly festival kicks off this weekend with performances of the musical Beauty and the Beast at Memorial Hall. Neewollah volunteer John Hamlin reminds area residents that there's a new Neewollah event happening this weekend as well.

The BBQ Contest replaces the Chili Cook Off that has been held in past years and will take place on the oval at Riverside Park on Saturday. The Neewollah Dessert Contest also happens Saturday along with the Pumpkin Decorating Contest.