Evening Kiwanis expand on why Sam Clements Arts & Crafts was cancelled

We're learning more tonight about changes that have been made to National Tom Sawyer Days due to COVID-19, including the cancellation of the 44th annual Samuel L. Clemens Arts & Crafts and More Festival.

The festival is put on by the Hannibal Evening Kiwanis Club in Central Park with vendors and artists selling goods to visitors from all around the world.

Kiwanis officials said they decided to cancel because they were concerned not only for people who would attend, but also for their own members who run the event.

"Older individuals in their 60's and 70's, we even have some in their 80's, and the concern around them being exposed to individuals with COVID-19 and what they could bring home to their families and themselves was just a dangerous thought," said Hannibal Evening Kiwanis Club President Dave Hirner.

Hirner said the raffle part of the event will continue.

He said encouraging people to get in touch via Facebook or their website if they're interested in entering to win.

Hannibal Jaycees officials said the majority of other parts of NTSD will go on as planned.

Evening Kiwanis expand on why Sam Clements Arts & Crafts was cancelled