Neewollah is underway in Independence.
The wet weather did not deter festival goers as Riverside Park was the focus of activities on Saturday morning. Local runners participated in the 5K and 10K runs with Alina Heater and Nathan Barrett crossing the finish line first in the 5K while Megan Lawrence and Marty Kelly took top honors in the 10K.
The annual chili cook-off wenton despite the rain wil 1st place going to Herrick's Smoke House, and Bet Your Bottom Bowl and Independence Ready Mix taking second anf third place. The People's Choice went to Southern Star while Hillyard Hillbilly Chili took home the award for General's Choice. 2 Girls, 3 Beans won Best Decor.
Dessert Contest Winners were Sarah Cotton, Arielle Gustafson, and Michelle Swearingen in first, second, and third place while Robert Robertson won the General's Choice Award.
Neewollah activities move to Memorial Hall tonight for the Queen Neelah Talent Competition at 7pm. The coronation takes place tomorrow night.
