Waterfowl Festival Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Members

Each year since 1992, the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame Awards have been given in recognition of the commitment and impact that individuals have made on the Festival and in turn our community. We proudly honor these people who have had a significant hand in shaping our event into one of the premiere wildlife and waterfowl art shows in the country. On November 13, 2025, three new honorees were inducted during the 54th Annual Premier Night ceremonies in the iconic Crystal Room at the Tidewater Inn. 

Hall of Fame members have offered at least 10 years of significant support as a community volunteer, Festival leader, collector, artist or innovator.  Over the years, these individuals have poured their heart and soul into our community and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. 

This year, we proudly honor Pat Crane, Judy Knight, and Ken Miller,  all of Talbot County, MD. 

For over 22 years, Pat Crane has been a dedicated volunteer, including 13 years on the Board of Directors. Pat has been a member of the Art Committee for over 20 years and the scholarship committee for 9 years. Year after year Pat has worked hard to ensure that the artists feel at home when they come to visit from all over the world. Pat has also supported the Festival through countless hours of administrative work and served as co-chair for Art at the Avalon for 22 years. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and enthusiasm to the Festival.

Judy Knight has volunteered with the Festival since 1914, delivering over 30 years of dedicated service. She served on the board for six years and was an active member of the scholarship committee for 2013-2020 as well as a volunteer for the Elks Gallery and a co-chair of the Crystal Room. Judy has been a co-chair and volunteer coordinator for Art at the Armory since its inception and has served on the Art Committtee since 2000, helping with decision-making, organization, and operations. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental to the festival’s success. 

Ken Miller served as president of the Waterfowl Festival in 2022. He has been a dedicated volunteer for over a decade, contributing in many significant ways. The most outstanding contribution was throughout 2022 when he assumed many of the administrative duties of the festival while the organization searched for a new executive director. He was a member of both the Waterfowl Festival and Waterfowl Chesapeake boards; co-chair of Art at the Avalon exhibit, chair and member of the Scholarship Committee, and continues as a member of the Art and Conservation Committees. 

“Every year, it is a fantastic moment we share with the community when we recognize such extraordinary people that give so much to our town’s biggest event of the year,” said Executive Director, Deena Kilmon. “Pat, Judy, and Ken have worked tirelessly, side by side, to make our festival an outstanding event for our community. The scholarships to hundreds of students, the nurturing of hundreds of artists, and the support of conservation projects their work made possible will impact generations of Eastern Shore residents.”

The 55th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for November 13-15,2026. For vendor or sponsor inquiries, please contact: . 

Image credit: Cal Jackson/Cal Jackson Photography

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen.