National Tom Sawyer Days – 3-5 July, 2014

The celebrations of National Tom Sawyer Days have started on July 3rd and will last until July 5th in Hannibal, Missouri. National Tom Sawyer Days has had a long and proud history of honoring Hannibal’s most beloved son.

Events inspired by Mark Twain’s works are some delightful highlights of this entertaining festival. From the National Fence Painting Contest to a Frog Jumping Contest to Live Entertainment at Tanyard Gardens, National Tom Sawyer Days is for the young and the young at heart. Visitors from all over the world come to experience the history of Hannibal, through the eyes of Mark Twain.

Here are some interesting facts about Mark Twain:

• His real name was Samuel Clemens
• Mark Twain was a pen name he picked up while writing for the Virginia City newspaper, which he first wrote under in 1863
• He also wrote under Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass, W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab, Sergeant Fathom, and Rambler during his career
• Before 13, he nearly drowned 9 documented times

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”