Alton, Mo. – The 40th Annual Black Gold Walnut Festival took place on Saturday, October 4, 2025. There were countless people who attended the festival, with over seventy vendors.
Contests
The Chamber of Commerce hosted four different contests: pumpkin carving, woodworking, baking, and Walnut Idol. By noon, all the pumpkins had been carved.
For the woodworking contest, there were nine entries ranging from a knife, to a an A1 bottle, to a pencil holder. The baking contest had around five entries which included cookies and cakes.
Vendors
Over 70 vendors were at the Walnut Festival this year. There were several boutique booths set up. Several of the vendors were selling soap and lotions.
Wood Items
At one booth, they were selling wooden signs with various inspirational sayings on them. Another booth was selling wood kitchen items: cutting boards, spoons.
Ponies and Bouncy Houses
In one corner of the square, two bouncy houses were set up for kids to play in. On the other side of the square, a miniature pony stood, taking pictures with kids who wanted a keepsake memory.
Raffles
At least three vendors were having raffles for a gun: Broke Yoke Ministries, Rover VFD, and BB Road VFD. Victory Freewill Baptist Church had multiple basket raffles such as a reading basket, car wash basket, cooking basket.
Crafts and Jewelry
Vendors were also selling crafty items such as wooden toys and crocheted animals. Multiple vendors were selling bracelets and jewelry.
Southern Missouri Hydrographics was also there showcasing it’s hydrodipped hard hats. Decorated cups were also for sale at a couple of the booths.
Food
The Alton Freewill Baptist Church was selling chicken and fish strips, hush-puppies, and fries. Big D’s BBQ was busy all morning and sold out around noon. The 4-H was selling cool and refreshing slushies throughout the day.
Music
Two military veterans started the Walnut Festival with the Pledge of Allegiance. After the pledge, Macie Anderson sung The Star-Spangled Banner.
Shortly after the festival started, the school choirs and band performed. Two of the songs sung included Do-Re-Mi and Take Me Home, Country Roads. After the choirs sang, the high school band played.
The two bands that played throughout the festival were Universal Groove Society and Vikki McGee Band.
