National Tom Sawyer Days
Fence Painting Contest
On your mark, get set, paint!
The fence painting contests are a core part of National Tom Sawyer Days dating back to 1956 and originating from Mark Twain’s writings about Tom Sawyer fooling his friends into painting Aunt Polly’s fence.
Today the fence painting contests are considered the “World Series of Whitewashing”. Fence painting is broke down into 3 levels: local, state and national and is open to boys, ages 10-13, who show you need the speed of a jackrabbit and the skill of a surgeon in order to claim the coveted Governor’s Trophy. Contestants receive points for costume, speed and painting quality. Contestants are encouraged to read “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” to attempt to capture a realistic look for their costume.
The contest begins with our local boys taking to the boards on Friday, July 1st to compete for their chance to advance to the national level. The state contest is Saturday, July 2nd for contestants all over Missouri to rally for their spots in the national level contest. The final event is Nationals and is open to boys from any state other than Missouri to compete against our local winners. The winner will get to take the Governor’s Trophy back to his home state to present to the governor to be displayed in the state capital for the year and then returned for the next July 4th contest. The national winner also receives a $500 savings bond and a host of prizes donated by local merchants. All whitewash is donated by the Genuine Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company.
All fence painting contests will take place at the Tom & Huck Statue on North Main Street.
For more information on this event contact Jenny Pabst 573-795-6577 or confedgirl91@yahoo.com
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE ENTRY FORM