The Independence Hop & Heritage Festival began in 2001.  A Hop Festival/Fiesta had been a part of the Independence landscape starting in the early 30's.  With the coming of WWII, and a declining hop industry, the festival was terminated.

When Independence completed one of its largest planning goals - a revitalized downtown - Mayor John McArdle looked for a way to celebrate the accomplishment.  A renewed Hop Festival seemed a perfect fit.  He brought a group of organizers together, and it all started.

The reborn festival, dubbed the Independence Hop & Heritage Festival, has grown with the years.  Now the festival weekend is full with entertainment on 2 stages, a car show, tractor pull, lawnmower races, pie-eating contest, community barbecue, ghost walk, and much more.  Streets are closed for the day and vendors participate in the festival.  Organizers encourage local vendors to participate - especially youth groups.  The festival presents a good fund-raising opportunity for local groups.

The Independence Hop & Heritage Festival is an opportunity for good family fun in downtown Independence.