It has begun: National Tom Sawyer Days slides into the Fourth of July with Mud Volleyball

HANNIBAL, MO. – Nothing says Fourth of July in Hannibal quite like a mud-covered volleyball players sloshing knee-deep and diving face first into the sludge.

It’s the 44th annual Mud Volleyball at National Tom Sawyer Days.

From kids to adults, it’s a tradition for many who play and who sit in the stands cheering trying to avoid mud splashes, or not avoid the splashes, depending on their preference.

Bella Vincent is playing for the Sloppy Dawgs. It is the team’s second year at mud volleyball.

During the school year they play volleyball together at Western Junior High School in Kinderhook, Il. They enjoy teaming up in Hannibal for Mud Volley at National Tom Sawyer Days.

“We do this for fun but we also like to win,” Bella said. “It’s really fun to hang out with my friends and get all muddy.”

This year at mud volleyball is a special treat new to Hannibal.

Hula Bowls will be on-site at the mud volley courts located beside the Ymen’s Pavilion from Thursday to Sunday.

Hula Bowls opened in May at 6476 Veterans Road in Hannibal. They feature smoothie bowls with three bases to choose from, including Acai, Pitaya, and Mango. Topping include various fruit flavors, chia seeds, chocolate and more.

At the mud volleyball games, they will serve the Traditional Bowl, Stars & Stripes Bowl, and Mud Bowl.

Mud volleyball starts Friday at noon, Saturday at 7 a.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m.