NEOLA, IA. (WOWT) - Rainy weather didn’t stop one Iowa town from ending the summer with a celebration.

Neola hosted its annual Hoo Doo Days festival this week. The event dates back to 1946, when it began as a way to welcome home World War II soldiers.

Committee members say they worried this year’s celebration would be rained out.

“Seeing rain in the forecast this week was kind of daunting,” said Alicia Kreikemeier with the Hoo Doo Days committee.

But the festival went on — and has never once been canceled due to rain in its 79-year history.

“Our theme this year was ‘Staying Alive in 25’… I think we really withheld that theme this year,” Kreikemeier said.

The annual celebration does more than bring neighbors together. It also raises money for projects and organizations around the comm

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