Alton, Mo. – The 39th Annual Black and Gold Walnut Festival occurred on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Shoppers arrived early to cash in on deals unique to the area. Contest submissions occurred at the chamber booth while children chose their pumpkins for carving. Photographers stopped by all morning, dropping off their favorite pictures to be judged by the public.
Opening Ceremony
Members of the local VFW raised the flag before this year’s festival. The national anthem was sung, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Contests
Before the opening ceremony began, contestants submitted their best baking entries and beautiful woodworking projects. Although the judges had a rough time deciding who was the best in baking, winners were chosen in each category. Woodworkers displayed diligent effort in the projects submitted. A back scratcher won, with a carved mushroom coming in a close second. There were so many woodworking entries this year that not everyone won a prize.
Pumpkin
The children chose from large pumpkins as they decided how to carve them. Three winners were selected, and their creations were displayed next to the stage for all to see.
Quilt
After the quilt turning at 11:00 a.m., Blessed Piecemakers held their drawing for a quilt. All of those proceeds went to the local fire department.
Others
During the day, winners were announced for various raffles.
Photo
AltonMo.com held a photo contest.
Vendors
The vendors were in place by 10 am when the festival began. As shoppers arrived, they displayed their wares, looking to turn one’s head in their direction for a possible sale.
The school choirs sang first, followed by professional bands. As the day wore on, the sun beat down. With little breeze, vendors with cool drinks did the most business. At the same time, vendors on the square’s north side had more shade and thus more customers. Meanwhile, music resounded from the stage all day.
Ending
As the day drew to a close, vendors and remaining shoppers packed up the booths, cleaned the litter, and left for another year.
