Winners announced in artist and food categories at Hannibal Folklife Festival

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Arts Council has an outside judge select special award winners for artists and food during its annual Hannibal Folklife Festival. Awards are decided based upon the quality and uniqueness of the exhibitor’s work, adherence to the theme and overall presentation.

Winning Best of Show in the artist category was fiber and wood from Best of Missouri Hands artisans John and Marsha Whitt of Bent Tree Gallery from Bethany. This was their first year exhibiting at the Hannibal Folklife Festival with their brooms, baskets and walking sticks, with Marsha demonstrating how she makes her brooms.

First place in the artist category was Dwayne and Kathy Totten of Wild Timber Bowls and Tables from Lentner. Dwayne carves bowls from 100 percent reclaimed wood found on his family farms, as well as the tables. They have been showing at the annual festival since 2021.

​Second place in the artist category went to Missouri Dulcimer Company from Warrensburg. Kirby Carroll has been building mountain dulcimers since 1984 and his wife, Lesa, is accomplished at playing the dulcimer and entertains festival visitors during the event.

Winning Best of Show in the food category was Compassion Church’s “Bak’d Taters”, raising money for Hope for Hannibal. Their booth sold loaded baked potatoes.

Food vendors at the festival must be local civic, church and non-profit organizations, with 100 percent of their profits going back into our community through their respective organizational missions.

The Hannibal Folklife Festival is held each October in downtown Hannibal and features traditional arts, performances, foods, fall and community. Next year’s Hannibal Folklife Festival will be held Oct. 18-19.