Kewpie Comics

April 28-May 1, 2027, Branson Towers Hotel, Branson, MO

Rose O’Neill first arrived in the Ozarks in 1894 and Bonniebrook (Rose’s home) became her retreat. In 1967, a week was dedicated to Rose O’Neill and a group of Kewpie collectors met in Branson, the closest town to Bonniebrook, for what they named “Rose O’Neill Week.” In 1968 this get together was named “Kewpiesta” and has continued ever since.

Each year the International Rose O’Neill Club Foundation (IROCF) continues to hold a convention in Branson, Missouri. Kewpie lovers attend from all across the United States and other countries. Attendees have come from as far away as Japan and Australia. The current convention is four days long and encompasses the All-Affiliate Get Together, a trade corner where authentic and reproductions of Rose’s work are sold, an auction, the IROCF annual business meeting, educational workshops, and is capped by a banquet at the College of the Ozarks. IROCF members also sell items from their rooms throughout the week. Each year a theme is selected by the club’s president and members are encouraged to use the theme to decorate their room windows.

The Trade Korner and the Saturday Morning Auction are open to the public.

The 2027 theme is Kewpie Comics.We also will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of IROCF.

The above photo is from Rose O’Neill’s Jan. 19, 1935 Sunday comic page.