Council clears Music Under the Stars, drone show, Tom Sawyer Days and tourism grant application

The Hannibal City Council on April 7 approved a series of special-event requests and authorized the tourism office to apply for state marketing grant funds.

Tricia Sheltery, Hannibal tourism director, asked for a June 11 road closure for Music Under the Stars to accommodate a regional band and the opening of the Show Me Hannibal attraction; council approved the 7–10 p.m. closure. Sheltery also sought closure of Central Park and adjacent blocks June 6 for a lighted drone show launching from Clemons Field; the council approved the closure for safety and viewing reasons.

Jeff Beach of the Hannibal Jaycees requested road closures for National Tom Sawyer Days (June 30–July 5), including parade routes; council approved the request, pending final vendor lists and certificates of insurance. Steve Gumbel of American Legion Chapter 55 requested a one-block closure June 20 for a bike show (8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. set-up earlier); council approved that application pending submission of insurance.

Sheltery also presented a tourism marketing grant opportunity from the Missouri Division of Tourism. Hannibal is eligible to request up to $120,000 in matching marketing funds; council authorized the mayor to sign the application and related acceptance documents if the city is awarded the grant (resolution 2600). Sheltery noted the state tourism budget could affect award levels but said the city would apply for the $120,000 maximum.

Council handled the event approvals by motion and voice vote and set the usual condition that certificates of insurance and vendor lists be submitted to the clerk's office before permits take effect.