The history of hops stretches back thousands of years to when Pharaohs would proudly be buried with their beer making utensils. During World War Two medicinal alcohol was so important that nearby Camp Adair would send soldiers out to help pick the crops. The first festivals in Independence included the multicultural makeup of the pickers. Today Independence is still a thriving multicultural city that looks to it's roots as the "Hop Capitol Of The World" and welcomes all to join in this annual Hop & Heritage Festival.