The 38th Annual Black Gold Walnut Festival is coming up in about a week, on October 7, 2023. Four contests will be going on throughout the day: pumpkin carving, woodworking, baking, and Walnut Idol. All the contests are free to enter, and the winners will get prizes.
Pumpkin Carving
There are two age groups for the pumpkin carving contests: ages 5-8 and ages 9-12. The contest is open from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, with judging beginning at 11:30 am. For both groups, the first place prize will be $25, the second place prize $15, and the third place prize $10. [1] Anything can be carved on the pumpkin!
Baking
The two categories of the baking contest are cakes/pies and quick breads/cookies. [2] The entries must be submitted to the Alton Chamber of Commerce booth by 9:30 am. The entries must also contain black walnuts. At the Chamber booth, entrants will fill out an entry form. Recipes must be brought with the baked item.
Woodworking
The woodworking contest also has two categories: furniture and decor. As with the baking, entries must be submitted to the Chamber booth by 9:30 am. [3] Entries must be made out of walnut wood.
Walnut Idol
The Walnut Idol is coming back this year. You can sign up for the contest between October 2nd and 6th at the Alton License Office. You can also sign up before noon on the day of the Walnut Festival at JoElla Beauty Collective. [4] Entrants must provide the song to be sung when signing up so the song can be downloaded. Karaoke tracks or live acoustic will be accepted. The Chamber officers will judge the contest.
