News

December 8, 2025 In News, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

In Memoriam: Tony Kern

Tony Kern was named to the Waterfowl Festival board in 2022, but has been active in many downtown initiatives supporting not only the festival, but all downtown events and initiatives. On the Waterfowl Festival board, he served as Vice-President and chairman of the Facilities committee. Kern was integral to the management of the festival over the past few years, and was particularly effective at spearheading projects involving our capital assets including the Waterfowl Festival Building (the old Easton Armory) supervising grants by the Maryland Historic Trust to help preserve the integrity of the building for generations to come. Tony believed strongly in partnerships, and helped the festival work within our community to build bridges, supporting projects that benefitted the entire community.

Read more on Tony’s vision for the Waterfowl Buidling restoration: Chestertown Spy

When and where he could, Tony lent his considerable expertise in finance and real estate to help support many local economic development initiatives as well as other non-profit causes.

Tony served on several boards including Qlarant Inc. , Chairman of the Board, and Chair of Finance; Easton Economic Development Corporation/Vice-Chair,;Chair of Downtown Easton; Chairman the of Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, and was an active member of the executive committee of the Talbot County, Maryland, Ethics Commission.

Tony Kern was a retired Senior Managing Partner with global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte & Touche. His experience encompasses a broad range of industries with a concentration in technology, media, telecommunications, and finance. He provided a wide range of management advice and counsel, including business strategy, corporate finance, new product and service development, innovation strategies, corporate compliance, enterprise re-structuring and operational optimization, corporate governance, and ethics, as well as M&A planning and integration. He was Deloitte’s US Deputy Managing Partner for Technology, Media and Telecoms, the firm’s Americas Managing Partner for Media & Entertainment, the Global Managing Partner for Innovation and Senior Advisory Partner for a number of integrated tech, telecom, and media companies.

Tony is a recognized expert by U.S. Federal Courts in matters of business management, transactions, corporate finance, technology, media, and telecommunications. He was a frequent speaker at industry meetings and has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, CNBC, MSNBC, The New York Times, Dow Jones, Fortune Magazine, and other media outlets.

Prior to joining Deloitte Tony was Global Managing Partner of Technology & Infocom financial services at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Regional Managing Partner of Economic & Financial Consulting at Arthur Andersen.

As an avocation Tony has restored multiple historic properties for his own portfolio and that of outside investors including property in Easton, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland.

October 2, 2025 In Conservation Projects, Festival Highlights, News, Special Events, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival and 1623 Brewing Co. Unite in Support of Conservation

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.

October 1, 2025 In Art, News, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Announces Free Parking and Shuttle Stops for 54th Annual Event

Waterfowl Festival Announces Free Parking and Shuttle Stops for 54th Annual Event

EASTON, MD –October 1, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival is gearing up for its 54th annual celebration of wildlife art, conservation, and the Eastern Shore’s sporting life, taking place November 14-16, 2025, in historic Easton, Maryland. To ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, the festival is highlighting its free parking and shuttle bus system. Bus service is complimentary for festival ticket holders.

Free Parking Locations: The Festival offers free parking at several key locations with easy access to the shuttle bus routes. Free Parking is available at the following sites:

Easton High School
Easton Elementary School
Easton Middle School
Molly’s Place / Old Pier One (located within the Kohl’s parking lot area)
Easton Town Lots 5,6,7, 9, 11, 12 are open and have additional ADA parking available for the festival weekend (Easton town map: https://www.eastonmd.gov/255/Parking)

Complimentary Festival Shuttles: Festival Ticket holders can ride complimentary shuttle buses to all attractions. The buses will run continuously, connecting the free parking lots to the various downtown venues. Buses will run thirty minutes prior to opening and closing festival hours.

The festival shuttle buses for 2025 are the Blue Line and the Orange Line

Starting Point: Both the Blue Line and Orange Line routes begin and end at the Historical Society parking lot (off of N. West St.), which serves as a central stop for Downtown and a transfer point to all routes.
The Blue Line: Historical Society, Waterfowl Buidling (Armory), Easton MIddle School, Sportsman’s Pavilion (Easton Elks Lodge), Easton High School, back to Historical Society.
The Orange Line :Historical Society, Easton Elementary, Bay Street Ponds, Molly’s Place, Easton Farmer’s Market, Country School

To purchase festival tickets, a full schedule of events, and event map please visit: waterfowlfestival.org

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.

September 2, 2025 In Art, Artists, Featured Art, Festival Highlights, News, Waterfowl

New Venues, new Artists, and Champion of Champions at Waterfowl Festival 54!

[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

For tickets please visit: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets/ or call 410-822-4567. Corporate partners are encouraged to email for more information.

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About the Waterfowl Festival

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

August 19, 2025 In Conservation Projects, News, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Grants $15,000 to Community Conservation Partners

For immediate release:

August 19, 2025

Press contact: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, 410-829-4052

Waterfowl Festival Announces $15,000 in Community Grants

Easton, MD – As part of our ongoing commitment to preserving our rural environment and supporting wildlife conservation, we are pleased to award grants to three outstanding organizations: Delaware Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Conservation Festival, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and ShoreRivers. Each organization created exceptional projects that will educate and have a positive impact on our community.

“Each year we are proud to give back to organizations working on conservation and education in the community,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee chairman. “This year, the competition was tough with well over $170K in requests. We congratulate the three winning projects on rising to the top in a competitive process.”

To celebrate their efforts, the festival will host a “Local Catch Feast” on September 14th at the Waterfowl Building. Grantees from 2024 and 2025 will showcase highlights of their projects while attendees enjoy a reception featuring local seafood. Featured on the menu are the invasive species chesapeake channa and blue catfish. Other items include crab soup, locally grown oysters and local beverages. Tickets can be purchased at waterfowlfestival.org.

Every year, our Community in Conservation Grant Program accepts funding requests from non-profits and community organizations across the region whose mission is to make a difference in supporting our shared mission of environmental conservation. The program supports projects that are at the intersection of waterfowl and habitat conservation and how this impacts our community, whether they are focused on education and outreach, science and research, or restoration. Ideally, projects include aspects of each focus area and benefit our waterfowl, their habitats, and the people of our community. Past awardees include University of MD- Horn Point, University of Delaware, and Talbot County Public Schools. The grant cycle will re-open in spring 2026.

Non-profit organizations that impact the environment or the education of our community in this space are welcome to exhibit this year in our Chesapeake Bay Pavilion at Easton High School during this year’s Waterfowl Festival November 14-16, 2025. Please contact the Waterfowl Festival for more information on how your organization can participate by emailing or by calling our office, 410-822-4567.

Pictured: Jan Hynson, Waterfowl Festival Board Member; Mary Helen Gillen. Educator and Climate Program Coordinator at Pickering Creek Audubon Center; Amanda Hoyt, Regional Biologist for the Chesapeake DU; Taylor Deemer, Director of Development DE and MD Ducks Unlimited; Julie Susman Waterfowl Festival Board President; Jerry Serie, Waterfowl Festival Conservaton Committee; Chip Heaps, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors/Conservation Committee Chairman; Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival.

June 16, 2025 In News, Special Events

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. grants $30,000 in scholarships to local students

[Easton, MD] – May 21, 2025 The Waterfowl Festival is pleased to announce that they have selected 15 qualified recipients of this year’s William H. Perry Scholarships with a combined total of $30,000.

The scholarship recipients are William Sherwood, Chesapeake College; Liam Swadley, Rochester Institute of Technology; Lavinia Tindall, University of Maryland; Pippa Milhollan, University of Maryland; Robert Norbury, Wor-Wic College; Viviana Morris, University of Chicago; Joshua Sherwood, University of Maryland; Jack Townsend, Salisbury University; Isabella Jobeck, James Madison University; Graham Willis, Chesapeake College; Charles Kaminskas, Coastal Carolina University; Brian Milhollan, University of Kentucky; Billy Haufe, University of Maryland ; Ashton Milhollan, Loyola University; Cole Paradine, University of Maryland.

Ernie Burns, Chairman of the Waterfowl Festival Scholarship Committee, shared, “We are incredibly proud of our recipients. Their dedication to volunteerism truly embodies the spirit of the Waterfowl Festival and the Eastern Shore.”

Each year, students from across the region who have served as “duck sitters” or youth volunteers for the Festival are invited to apply for academic support through the William A. Perry Scholarship Fund. This scholarship recognizes the young volunteers whose energy, dedication, and enthusiasm have been an important part of the legacy of this family friendly event for over fifty years.

Created in honor of Festival co-founder William A. Perry and his wife Betty, this fund supports students from across the region for their post-secondary education.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors or current students enrolled in an accredited college, university, trade school, or graduate/post-graduate program. They must also be in good academic standing and have contributed significant time and service as a volunteer for the Waterfowl Festival. To volunteer, please email or call the festival office, 410-822-4567.

May 27, 2025 In Art, Artists, Featured Art, Galleries, News, Painters, Uncategorized

Hall of Fame Painter Joe Seme to Showcase Work at Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk

[Easton, MD] – May 27, 2025 –FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The June First Friday Gallery Walk exhibit and open house at the Waterfowl Building is set to feature North Carolina artist Joe Seme. Seme is well known for his major “trompe l’oeil” (fool the eye) realistic still life paintings which are carefully researched and and may take three or four months to complete. Seme, a Waterfowl Hall of Fame honoree, painted the 2023, 1980, and 1990 Festival posters. He has been profiled in numerous publications including American Artist, American Art Review, Chesapeake Travel and Leisure, Salt, and Ducks Unlimited.

Joe Seme’s artistic journey spans decades, with a portfolio that includes intricate still lifes, landscapes, and decoy carvings. His deep connection to the Eastern Shore is evident in pieces like “Eastern Shore,” a painting commissioned as the 2023 poster for the Waterfowl Festival. Seme has been a fixture at the festival since 1978 and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1992.

Attendees of the First Friday Gallery Walk will have the chance to view a selection of Seme’s original works, including limited edition giclée prints and original pieces of antique toys, collectables, and other diverse subjects in addition to his well known Eastern Shore subjects. His art, characterized by meticulous detail and storytelling nature – each work a journey into a magical universe created by the artist.

First Friday Gallery Walk is sponsored by the Easton Economic Development Corporation. For more information on this event, visit DiscoverEaston.com.

Event Details:

Date: June 6, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: The Waterfowl Building, 40 S. Harrison Street

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About the Waterfowl Festival

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

Images: “Delft Cat”, “Eastern Shore”, “Paris Pig”

May 20, 2025 In Art, News, Promotional Partners, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Talbot Treasures Event to Celebrate Community History

As part of the Talbot250 celebration, a new community-led committee has been formed to bring to life a unique history exhibit: Talbot Treasures: A Community Show and Tell of History and Heirloom. The event, scheduled for June 12–14, 2025, will invite residents to share personal artifacts, documents, and heirlooms that reflect the deep and diverse history of Talbot County.

The Talbot Treasures Committee brings together the Talbot250 Commission, the Waterfowl Festival, and the Talbot Historical Society.

“We’re thrilled to bring our community together around the stories and objects that make Talbot County so special,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “Talbot Treasures will showcase the depth of history found not just in archives, but in our homes, attics, and family traditions.”

Peggy Morey, Executive Director for the Talbot Historical Society, echoed the excitement: “Everyone has something to contribute—a photograph, a family letter, a memory passed down. This is an invitation for everyone in Talbot County to be part of our collective story.”

The event will be held at the Waterfowl Festival Building in Easton and will feature a curated exhibit of community-submitted items with public viewing on Saturday, June 14.

All items must be connected to Talbot County and pre-registered in advance of the event. More details, including registration instructions are available at www.talbot250.org/talbot-treasures

Talbot Treasures joins a growing list of community-led events and programs developed as part of Talbot250, a multi-year celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 365th anniversary of Talbot County. For more information about Talbot250 and upcoming events, visit Talbot250.org.

PHOTOS/CAPTIONS

“5.20.2025 Talbot Treasures Flyer.png”
Flyer for the 2025 Talbot Treasures: Community Show and Tell event.

“5.20.2025 1776 Decanter.jpg”
The Waterfowl Festival found this “The Early Times Distillery Co. – 1976 Bicentennial Edition Whiskey Decanter” to contribute to Talbot Treasures. See the decanter in person, and learn more about it’s story at the Talbot Treasures public viewing on June 14, 2025.

“5.20.2025 Hat.png”
This black crepe hat with a high straight crown and flat brim was worn by Robert Bartless Dixon, a member of the Third Haven Meeting House. Contributed by members of the Talbot Historical Society.

“5.20.2025 Locket.png”
This locket was contributed by Hughlett Kirby. It shows William R. Hughlett on one site, and the other side (shown here) depicts two women. Paper with the locket states that they may be William’s sisters – Tansey Ann and Mary Elizabeth.

April 28, 2025 In News, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Mayor Megan Cook swears in two new Waterfowl Commissioners

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Mueller
DATE: 4/28/25 Communications/PR Specialist
443-746-2187, Ext. 165

Easton fills final two spots on the Waterfowl Festival Commission
Earlier today, Peggy Moray and Dennis Cassidy were sworn in by Mayor Megan Cook to serve
on the Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission. Their appointments fill the final two spots on the
five-person commission. Moray’s appointment was confirmed by the Easton Town Council at the
April 7 meeting, and Cassidy’s was confirmed at the council meeting on April 21.
These appointments follow three others made earlier this month, with Amy Horne, Pat Ragan,
and Dan Ketelsen also sworn in to the commission on April 14.
“We’re thrilled to have the final two positions appointed to the Waterfowl Commission,” said
Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director Deena Kilmon. “Over the next few weeks our
commissioners will be reviewing the logistical plans for the 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival this
Fall. We are grateful to have their input and expertise leading up to this year’s event.”
Once sworn in, commission members serve terms of 3 years, after which they are eligible for
reappointment. The commission works to provide logistical input and support for the festival,
helping to plan for transportation, food, and other efforts to ensure the event is safe and
successful.
“We’re pleased to see that the Waterfowl Festival Commission is once again at full capacity,”
said Mayor Cook. “This is the biggest event in Easton, economically and culturally, and we want
to ensure that they have the necessary support to continue its success. I thank all five of them
for their commitment to this event, and to our town.”
The 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton from November 14-16. More details
about the event can be found at their website: https://waterfowlfestival.org/. More information on

the Waterfowl Festival Commission can be found on the Town website at
https://eastonmd.gov/541/Waterfowl-Festival-Commission.
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Formally recognized in 1710 by the Province of Maryland, Easton is the county seat of Talbot
County. Encompassing over 11 square miles including almost two dozen public parks and open
spaces, the town has a growing population of over 17,000 residents. For more information
please visit: eastonmd.gov.

ATTACHMENTS:
(Left to Right) Newly sworn in Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission Members Dennis Cassidy
and Peggy Moray stand with Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director Deena Kilmon and
Mayor Megan Cook in front of Easton Town Offices.

Mayor Megan Cook confirms two members to Waterfowl Commission

April 16, 2025 In News, Waterfowl

2025 Waterfowl Festival Commission Appointed

On Monday, April 14, 2025, Mayor Megan Cook swore in three new members of the Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission. Amy Horner, Pat Ragan, and Dan Ketelsen were each sworn in at the Easton Town Hall, just one week after their appointments were unanimously approved by the town council at the council meeting on April 7.

“Since 1985, the Waterfowl Festival Commission has supported the Waterfowl Festival with creating a town logistics plan that is supportive and responsive to our community’s needs,” remarked Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director, Deena Kilmon. “We are excited to see three new members join our commission, and thank them for their dedication.”

Once sworn in, commission members serve terms of 3 years, after which they are eligible for reappointment. A fourth new commission member, Peggy Moray, was also approved by council, but was unable to attend the swearing in. She could be sworn in at a later date to begin her term.

“The Waterfowl Festival is not only our biggest event and a major economic driver — it is an integral part of our culture and identity as a Town,” added Mayor Megan Cook. “The Waterfowl Festival creatively brings together regional art and culture, sporting, and conservation in a unique package that fits Easton so well. We support them in all of their efforts, and we hope that these new commission members will be able to get more involved and assist the Waterfowl Festival staff with logistics and planning efforts to make our future events as safe and successful as possible.”

The 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton from November 14-16. More details about the event can be found at https://waterfowlfestival.org/. More information on the Waterfowl Festival Commission can be found on the Town website at https://eastonmd.gov/541/Waterfowl-Festival-Commission.