Penwell African Safaris Showcases Adventures at the Waterfowl Festival
Easton, MD — November 14–16, 2025 — Penwell African Safaris, a premier provider of luxury safari experiences, is excited to announce its participation in the Waterfowl Festival. Visitors are invited to stop by the Sportsman’s Pavilionto meet owners Kathleen (Kathy) Harvey and Tracey Seifert Kimball, and to learn more about once-in-a-lifetime African journeys.
As a special thank you to festival guests, Penwell African Safaris will host a daily drawing for a beautiful, handcrafted backpack made in London. Attendees can enter at the pavilion booth for a chance to win while discovering how Penwell curates extraordinary adventures across Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
“We love sharing the magic of Africa with travelers who are seeking something extraordinary,” said Kathleen Harvey, Partner and Co-Founder of Penwell African Safaris. “The Waterfowl Festival is the perfect place to connect with adventurers, sportsmen, and nature enthusiasts who share our passion for wildlife and conservation.”
Penwell African Safaris specializes in custom itineraries that balance luxury with authenticity, offering everything from classic Big Five safaris to walking tours, cultural village experiences, and hot-air balloon rides. With a focus on conservation and community support, every journey contributes to preserving Africa’s heritage for generations to come.
About Penwell African Safaris
Penwell African Safaris is dedicated to creating transformative travel experiences across Africa’s most breathtaking destinations. Owned and operated by Kathleen (Kathy) Harvey and Tracey Seifert Kimball, the company combines personalized service, luxury accommodations, and expert guiding with a strong commitment to conservation and local communities.
Join us at the Waterfowl Festival, November 14–16, 2025, at the Sportsman’s Pavilion, to plan your next adventure!
Media Contact:
Kathleen Harvey, Partner
Penwell African Safaris 800-484-4552 www.penwellsafaris.com
Delmarva Craft Distributing to bring “Goose Sweat Hazy IPA” to the Shore
Easton, MD – October 2, 2025- The Waterfowl Festival is thrilled to announce a special partnership with 1623 Brewing Co. and Delmarva Craft Distributing to create a one-of-a-kind craft beer for the 2025 Festival. This collaboration will bring festivalgoers the limited-edition “Goose Sweat Hazy IPA”, brewed to celebrate Eastern Shore traditions, conservation, and community. The beer will be served at the Festival’s annual premier night on November 13, 2025.
“Each year, we look for new ways to connect people to the spirit of the Festival, and this collaboration with 1623 Brewing Co. is a perfect fit,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival. “Goose Sweat Hazy IPA is fun, flavorful, and 1623 is rooted in the same heritage and sense of community that has defined the Festival for more than fifty years. We had a great time with our volunteers picking the flavor profile!”
Thanks to a partnership with Delmarva Craft, Goose Sweat Hazy IPA will be available not only at Festival events, but also in select retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. The beer will give supporters a chance to raise a glass to waterfowl, conservation, and the unique culture of the Shore.
“We’re proud to partner with the Waterfowl Festival and Delmarva Craft on this release,” said Mark Evans. “The Festival represents the best of Maryland’s traditions, and we are honored to create a beer that complements the celebration.”
Proceeds from the release of Goose Sweat Hazy IPA will help support the Waterfowl Festival’s mission of conserving waterfowl and their habitats while promoting the heritage and traditions of the Eastern Shore. For more information on purchase locations, please contact Rick Carter, Delmarva Craft, 443-666-0110.
[Easton, MD] – August 29, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival, one of the nation’s premier events dedicated to the celebration of waterfowl and the natural environment, returns to Easton, Maryland, on November 14-16, 2025. Celebrating its 54th year, the event offers a diverse range of activities that highlight the art, culture, and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay region.
This year, seven art venues will be filled with spectacular sculptures, paintings, carvings, photography, and mixed media featuring the art of the natural world. New this year, attendees will be welcomed to two new additional venues to see world-renowned collections by Guyette and Deeter (St. Michaels, MD) Copley Fine Art Auctions (Pembroke, Mass.) Red Fox Fine Art (Middleburg, VA) and the Sportsman’s Gallery/Paderewski Fine Art (Charleston, SC).
Premiere night continues to evolve and surprise and this year is no exception! The “Eastern Shore” sporting party of the year shines with indoor and outdoor venues. The festivities will begin in the historic Tidewater Inn’s Crystal room with the opening ceremonies and the iconic gavel drop! Sip exclusive bourbons in the PNC Pavilion while enjoying a first look at Featured Artist Al Barker’s paintings commissioned especially for Waterfowl Festival 54. VIP’s will enjoy a fantastic cocktail reception in each venue while they meet the 2025 artists. The popular outdoor oyster bar will feature Madhouse oysters. Mill outside and inside while enjoying live music, carriage rides, photo booths, and the first look at Waterfowl festival attire by Brackish Life – exclusively designed for this year’s festival by local artists.
Not to be missed this year, the World Waterfowl Calling Contest will be held at Easton High School, featuring the Champion of Champions round, only held every five years. This prestigious contest has been running continuously since 1976 and features the world’s best in goose and duck calling battling it out for cash and prizes.
Favorite attractions at the festival will include the iconic Dock Dogs jumping competition, retriever demonstrations on land and in water, and numerous venues for shopping for everything needed for the outdoor lifestyle from cars to boats, accessories and clothing. Featured attractions include the famous Tasting Pavilion where attendees sample locally distilled spirits, wine, food, and beer from around the region. Additionally this year, festival goers can enjoy local beer in the Delmarva Craft Beer Wetlands tent at the Bay Street Ponds.
Children will be entertained by the many stops on the Quackin’ Trail including two different raptor exhibitions, educational presentations by The Chesapeake Mermaid, interactive art activities by the Ward Museum and local artist/writer Tim Young, the children’s calling contest sponsored by Sean Mann, the fishing derby, and many interactive conservation displays from community partners. The Waterfowl mascots Willa, Webster, and Winston will be on hand for great family photo opportunities.
During the festival, enjoy live music of all genres on six music stages. Food trucks will be spread throughout the festival, including crowd favorites Smith Island Cake, crab cakes, oysters, and more. Over twenty food trucks will be on hand in addition to the wonderful local restaurants downtown, many of whom feature special Waterfowl menus.
New this year is the Ducks Unlimited Landing at the Sportsman’s Pavilion Step inside and explore a showcase of conservation, community, and the very best in the outdoors. This year, the tent will be filled with DU partners featuring the latest outdoor gear, innovations, and products.
VIP ticket packages and General Admission are available. Children ten and under are free with a ticket holding guardian/parent. Parking is free at all local public schools, numerous town lots, and free street parking throughout the downtown area. Bus Transportation to all attractions is complimentary with a festival ticket. Accessible parking is available at all school lots and accessible buses will be running continuously.
Festival Hours and Times:
November 13, 2025 4:30-8:30 PM, Premier Night -VIP Ticket holders only
Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday Nov. 15, 2025 – All venues open 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 16 – All Venues open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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.
For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visitwww.waterfowlfestival.org.
Easton, MD — Waterfowl Festival 2025: Call for Artists and Exhibitors
Easton, Maryland – January 21, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to announce that applications for artists and exhibitors are now open for the 2025 event, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025.
We invite painters, sculptors, carvers, and photographers specializing in waterfowl, wildlife, landscapes, sporting art, and maritime subjects to apply. All displayed work must be available for sale. New artist applications should include 5 to 10 digital images representative of the artwork intended for exhibition. Artwork for sale must have been created within two years of the festival date. Please ensure high-quality images, as they are crucial for the jurying process.
Notification of Acceptance: Artists will begin to be notified by the end of April if they are accepted into the exhibition.
For information about the application process, please reach out to our office via email or call 410-822-4567.
Image: Art Gallery at Waterfowl Festival/Courtesy Ron Haddaway
###
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.
Easton, Md. –January 15, 2025 Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January. Jonathan Rondeau, Kim Newcomb, and Amy Horne have joined the organization this month.
“As we enter into the New Year, we are pleased to have three new board members that have a diverse array of skills and capabilities, each one uniquely important to the continued success of our historic festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Rondeau and Horne will bring fresh ideas and new energy. Newcomb, a thirty-year chairman and returning board member, will offer a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective.”
Jonathon Rondeau is President & CEO of the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. He partners with The Arc’s board of directors to set the strategic vision and direction of The Arc to make a lasting impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the last 6 years, Jonathon has championed transformational change and growth by expanding services, increasing The Arc’s regional presence, and developing leadership at every level of the organization. His past roles include President & CEO of Family League of Baltimore; Vice President, Community Services and then Chief Program Officer of Melwood; and Director of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation, Autism Services & Transportation for The League for People with Disabilities. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Maryland and Baltimore’s The Leadership 2017 program.
Rondeau holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Springfield College. Jonathon resides in Catonsville with his husband, Matt and their son.
A native of Easton, Amy Horne is a life-long participant in the festival, having begun her journey as a youth volunteer or “Ducksitter” while still in high school. Horne currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Michaels Community Center. Her recent past role as the Executive Director of Casa of Caroline showcased her substantial talent in creating a positive impact in the community, an ability to successfully create multi-dimensional fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organization, and a strong ability to create opportunities for volunteers and community partners to participate in the organization’s work.
Horne holds a Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She has served as the President of Denton Rotary and the Shireton Condominium Association. Past board experience includes the Domestic Violence Center of Greater New Haven and the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She lives in Easton with her husband Ernie Rowe.
Kim Newcomb returns to the board after a few year’s hiatus. She is a native of Talbot County and has a deep love and appreciation for the waterfowling traditions and Eastern Shore lifestyle. Newcomb brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked for many years at Safariland Hunting Corporation. Currently she is the owner of Terry k & Associates, a real estate appraisal office.
Since 1996 she has been the Waterfowl Festival Artifacts Chairman, spearheading and designing each year’s educational exhibit which has delighted thousands of visitors over the years. Newcomb and her husband Ronnie were inducted into the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame in 2016. Her past experiences also include serving on the board and as the interim Deputy Director of the acclaimed Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. She has served on the Dorchester County Historical Society Board of Directors (2012-2016) and the Dorchester County Sanitation Board of Trustees (2014-current), serving as President of the Board from 2015-2020. Kim and Ronnie reside in Church Creek, Maryland.
About Waterfowl Festival Inc.
Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email or call 410-822-4567.
We are excited to have the artists of the Working Artists Forum as part of the 2021 Waterfowl Festival!
Launched in 1979 by a small group of artists, the Working Artists Forum – with over 100 members – is today a thriving arts organization with many vital connections within our arts community. WAF members exhibit widely, win awards, teach classes and workshops, and actively participate in arts events throughout our region. Monthly member meetings promote camaraderie through discussion of upcoming exhibits and a lively demonstration by a well-known guest artist.
Their summer juried exhibit Local Color (presented in partnership with the Avalon Foundation’s Plein Air Easton) attracts hundreds of patrons and enjoys excellent sales. Working Artists Forum also presents numerous group shows throughout the year, both on the Eastern Shore and in venues across Maryland/DC. In an effort to support student artists and their teachers, Working Artists Forum donates monies directly to elementary school art teachers for much needed classroom art supplies. Additionally, WAF helps support the Avalon Foundation’s After-School Art Program. Click here to learn more about WAF.
Find these talented artists at the Chesapeake Marketplace – Easton Middle School Location.
Katie Cassidy
Carol Cowie
Pauline Cox
Fred Craig
Lee D’Zmura
Nancy Lee Davis
Mary Ford
Rhonda Ford
Kathy Ryan Gardiner
Jill Glassman
Shirley Hales
Patti Lucas Hopkins
Betty Huang
Carla Huber
Wendy Johnston
Jane Knighton
Kathy Kopec
Marianne Kost
Patricia Dale Lang
Judie Lizewski
Linda Luke
Mary Ellen Mabe
Carol McClees
Deborah McFarlin
Carol Lynn Meers
Diane DuBois Mullaly
Anne Reder
Katie Rogers
Maggii Sarfaty
Stacey Sass
Scott Sullivan
Nancy R. Thomas
Georgette Towes
Stephen Walker
Barbara Harr Watson
Judith Weaver
Maureen Wheatley
Lori Yates
Barbara Zuehlke
Saturday, November 13, 6 p.m. – Easton Elk’s Lodge
Enjoy dinner and drinks at the Easton Elk’s Lodge and celebrate all that is Sporting at the Waterfowl Festival!
· All you can eat- appetizers, chicken and more
· Domestic draft beer included, cash bar for mixed drinks & craft beer
· Lots of raffle prizes from our sporting favorites
· Live Music
Visit the Bay Street Ponds throughout the Festival to watch the retrievers put on their best show! They will amaze you with the skill and control in finding and bringing back various items on command.
Note: There is not parking at the Bay Street Ponds. You must walk or take the bus.
Visit this page during the Festival for the demonstration schedule.
Our artists are categorized into four types based on their medium of choice – painters, sculptors, carvers and photographers. They can be found in venues all over the downtown area of Easton and require a Festival ticket to visit. The works that are on display are for sale, and the commissions that are generated in the sale go to support the continuation of the Waterfowl Festival and are its main income generator. The artists are juried for admission by a committee and are re-evaluated every year. Artists from previous years will be contacted with an invitation from the Art Committee and do not need to re-apply. New artists who wish to be juried into the show can apply using the form below.
Apply To Be A New Exhibiting Artist
New Painters, Sculptors, Carvers and Photographers Are Encouraged to Apply in Winter of Each Year for the Show in November. New artist applications must be accompanied by at least five (5), but no more than ten (10) digital images uploaded via our DropBox link:
Please note that the quality of your images is very important. For example, poorly lighted and focused images and those including picture frames on paintings have a negative effect on the jurying process. Images must be of original works of art (no more than 2 images of any one piece). Be representative in subject matter, size, and price range of the artwork to be exhibited at the Festival.
We encourage all artists to bring items of ALL price ranges to appeal to more buyers. You may send images of work already sold. Use the description field here to submit information about the images that you upload. If accepted and the work brought to the show varies significantly, the Waterfowl Festival reserves the right to exclude it from the show. Once submitted we will redirect you to a payment link for your $50 application fee.
Be aware of the following before you apply:
Once accepted:
Painters pay a $125 Registration Fee with the Registration Agreement, and 35% commission on sales of original paintings and framed prints, 50% on sales of unframed prints.
Sculptors pay a $125 Registration Fee with the Registration Agreement, and 30% commission on sales.
Carvers pay a $250 Registration Fee with the Registration Agreement, and 10% commission on sales.
Photographers pay a $300 Registration Fee with the Registration Agreement, and 10% commission on sales.
Call 410-822-4567 or email if you need additional information about the process.
The Diving Dogs is always a popular attraction at the Waterfowl Festival and 2021 expects to be a great year for competition! Competition pros can register online (rules below).
There are always slots available for amateurs to try it out with your novice pup! Try-Its are $10 for two try-it tickets.
Competitive splashes are available Fri, Sat. and Sunday where you can watch and cheer on your favorites – Festival ticket is required.
Competition Rules: A NADD This event is being run by a NADD mobile dock. Registration Number is required to enter, purchase here for $35.00. Splashes include up to four minutes on the dock for one optional practice jump and two judged jumps. You must inform the judge prior to your jump if you want it to be considered a “practice jump”.
The jump order is set by a posted running order. Each splash closes 30 minutes prior to start time. Failure to be present at the beginning of the splash can result if the forfeiture of jumping in that splash.
Each distance jumping Splash allows 2 judged jumps, back to back. The longest jump of them will be your Qualifying Score.
You can earn a Diving Dog Title at this event. You must have five Qualifying Scores within a Division. NADD titles are recognized by the AKC and CKC through their recognition programs. View their applications here (AKC) and here (CKC).
800-484-4552
www.penwellsafaris.com
