By STEVE EIGHINGER

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Flood? What flood?

That topic seemed to be entirely taboo Friday during the National Tom Sawyer Days festival that engulfed the city's downtown area.

Big crowds moved throughout the celebration's epicenter at Central Park, where 139 different vendors have set up shop this week. A nearby carnival and the usual beehive of activity in the city's historic district along the riverfront were the other principal attractions.

There were even traffic jams, which meant tourism was booming again in America's Hometown.

"You couldn't have gotten another person in here earlier today," said Gary Riney of the Hannibal Evening Kiwanis Club, whose group was selling raffle tickets in Central Park to benefit its commitment to providing for the town's underprivileged children.

The recent flooding in Northeast Missouri had been scaring off visitors, even though Hannibal had remained dry, thanks to its well-fortified levee and floodgates.

"Hannibal's come through (the flood). We made it all the way," said resident Kay Rademan, who with good friend Debbie Moore is an annual visitor to Tom Sawyer Days. "That levee definitely helped."

Rademan's words hinted at an air of celebration that seemed present throughout the downtown, signaling an end to the monthlong battle with high waters from the Mississippi River.

The festival also served as an unofficial welcome mat to the summer of '08, which thanks to the flooding never really got untracked until this weekend. Not even the stress from weeks of worry about river heights and crests could throw a damper on this day.

"We're Hannibilians!" Moore proudly proclaimed. "We come every year to this."

The tradition of Tom Sawyer Days is as much a draw in its own right as the arts, crafts, rides and food.

Moore said there are always a couple of vendors she and Rademan like to patronize.

"You know, there's always a couple of things you just have to have," Rademan said.

The weather was perfect all day. A slow summer breeze scared off any hint of humidity and also helped the sweet sounds of young singer Natalie Hawkins of Clarence, Mo., reach the hundreds who sat and stood listening to her entertain on stage at the east end of the park.

"This is the biggest event I have ever sung at," said Hawkins, 12, who entertained with a selection of country hits by Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and others.

Hawkins' singing career is just getting started.

"About two years ago, I heard her singing at home and thought, 'Whoa ... is that my daughter?" said her father, Brian Hawkins, who with wife Stephanie sat in the front row listening to Natalie draw one appreciative response after another from those in attendance.

"I would like to be on 'American Idol' someday," Natalie said.

The festival, which opened Wednesday, continues through tonight.

-- seighinger@whig.com/221-3377