Alton, Mo. – The Walnut Festival in Alton was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Despite heavy rain in the area the day before, the weather was perfect for vendors and shoppers.
Weather
The weather was on many people’s minds. Enduring temperatures in the mid-90s earlier in the week, a repeat of those temperatures would have been a deterrent to both vendors and shoppers. However, rain on Friday brought cool relief. Cool morning temps greeted shoppers and sellers. This was perfect weather for strolling and shopping.
Start
The Alton school choirs started the festival by singing our National Anthem. They continued performing a few more songs as shoppers arrived to spend their money.
Contests
Several contests were underway. Among them were the children’s pumpkin carving contest, the baking and woodworking contests, the Walnut Talent Show, and the 250th Quilt raffle. Winners of the baking contest were Donna Smith, Amanda Thomas, and Jennifer Thomas. Donna Smith also won a new, and quickly becoming a favorite, category: People’s Choice award. David Patten won the woodworking award.
For the Walnut Idol Contest, the Rising Star winner was Justice Ellison. The Showstopper was Erin Baker. And the Most Entertaining was Billy Campbell.
There were winners in each age bracket of the pumpkin carving contest. For the 5-8-year-olds, Hattie Johnson came in first place, Anna Beth Johnson came in second, and Tatum Bandy came in third. In the 9-12-year-old bracket, Beau Reed won first place, Gunner Poe won second, and Beaden Leitner won third.
The winner of the best booth went to a new vendor: The Thomasville First Baptist Church.
Live Music
Two bands, family-friendly. The Creek Rocks performed between noon and 1 pm; and Sarah Jo Sample & The Tonedaddys followed. Their easy-listening music allowed shoppers to continue looking at a leisurely pace.
Vendors
Vendor booths circled the square. Although a few vendors decided not to chance the weather, those that did set up had ample sales. Delicious aromas wafted from every corner of the square. Booths sold jewelry, mugs, towels, and woodworking.
Several churches joined the festival, hosting booths and passing out or selling items.
This was a good Walnut Festival this year.
