Alton, Mo. – The 39th Annual Black and Gold Walnut Festival is approaching fast! At the festival, the chamber will host several contests for attendees of all ages. These contests are all on Saturday, October 5, 2024, during the festival. Here are the contests you can prepare for!
Walnut Idol
This contest has become a local favorite. The prize is hefty—$100! Entry is free; you just sing alone on stage. You do need to register beforehand, which you can do at the Alton License Bureau before October 4, 2024. They allow karaoke style or live acoustic. This is open to all ages. Choose your song today.
Woodworking
Woodworking demands skill and preparation ahead of time. While one can get on stage and sing, one needs to make something from walnut wood and bring it to the festival on Saturday. The chamber will award monetary prizes to the first, second, and third places in this contest. Entries must be at the chamber booth by 10:00 a.m. when the festival begins. You can submit your entry at the chamber booth.
Baking
What fall festival would be complete without a baking contest? This contest offers financial prizes for first, second, and third place in cakes and pies, cookies, and quick breads. The deadline for these entries is also 10:00 am. You can submit your entry at the Chamber booth. All entries Must have black walnuts in them.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
The annual pumpkin carving contest is open to children ages 12 and under. The chamber supplies the carving tools. There is no entry fee. Financial prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in younger and older divisions. You can register for a pumpkin at the chamber booth before 10 am. All carving needs to be completed by 11:30 am. Zack Barton of the Missouri Farm Bureau donates all pumpkins.
So whatever your interests, singing, carving, baking, or woodworking, now is your chance to show your skill and possibly win a prize!
