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Special Events

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.

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January 20, 2025 In News, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Donates 53 Years of Festival Guidebooks to Talbot County Free Library

[Easton, MD] – December 9, 2024 – Waterfowl Festival Donates 53 Years of Festival Guidebooks to Talbot County Free Library

Easton, MD — In celebration of over five decades of community involvement and environmental stewardship, the Waterfowl Festival is excited to announce a significant donation to the Talbot County Free Library: a complete collection of guidebooks from the festival’s 53-year history. These guidebooks, available for public use, chronicle the rich heritage, artistry, and conservation efforts that have made the Waterfowl Festival a beloved tradition in the Chesapeake Bay region.

The guidebooks serve as a historical archive, showcasing the evolution of the festival, the talented artists and craftsmen who have participated, and the vital role the event has played in promoting wildlife conservation. Spanning from the inaugural 1971 guide to the most recent edition, this collection is a treasure trove for researchers, historians, and festival enthusiasts alike.

“Preserving our cultural history and making it accessible to the community has always been a priority for the Waterfowl Festival,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “We’re proud to partner with the Talbot County Free Library to ensure that future generations can explore the stories and milestones that have shaped our festival, the town of Easton, and our extended community over the years.”

The Talbot County Free Library welcomes this valuable addition to its collection. Library Director Dana Newman shared their enthusiasm, stating, “This donation enriches our local history archives and provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the history of an event that has had such a profound impact on our community.”

The donated guidebooks will be housed in the library’s Maryland Room, where they will be available for in-library use. Patrons can explore the artistic and cultural legacy of the festival while gaining a deeper understanding of its commitment to waterfowl conservation and the Eastern Shore way of life.

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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.

About the Talbot County Free Library
The Talbot County Free Library provides resources, services, and programs that enhance the lives of all Talbot County residents. Through its commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, the library preserves and shares the region’s rich history for future generations.

Executive Director Deena Kilmon with Talbot County Free Library
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January 9, 2025 In Art, Artists, Featured Art, News, Special Events, Uncategorized, Venues

Waterfowl Festival & Ward Foundation present: Maryland Arts Council Folklife Film & Art Evening

Easton, MD – January 7, 2025 – The Ward Foundation, in collaboration with the Waterfowl Festival and the Maryland State Arts Council, is pleased to announce the Folklife Apprentice Film Series event, scheduled for January 23, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Waterfowl Festival Building, located at 40 S. Harrison St, Easton, MD.

This engaging evening will feature a selection of short films from the Maryland State Arts Council’s Folklife Apprenticeship program, showcasing diverse cultural traditions and artistic practices.

“Going into 2025, we are thrilled to be offering such an engaging and meaningful program featuring films from all across the artistic landscape. We are excited to engage a larger audience by offering diverse educational opportunities along with our partners at the Maryland State Arts Council and the Ward Foundation,” remarked Deena Kilmon, executive director of the Waterfowl Festival. “We encourage the community to take advantage of this wonderful free arts program.” 

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on activity, painting a bufflehead silhouette under the guidance of Master Carver, Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame honoree and National Heritage Award Winner, Rich Smoker.

Admission to the event is free; however, registration is required.

To register, please visit the Ward Foundation’s website at https://wardfdn.org/learn-explore/program-calendar/folklife-apprentice-film-series/.

Event Details:

  • Date: January 23, 2025
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Waterfowl Festival Building, 40 S. Harrison St, Easton, MD
  • Admission: Free (Registration required)

For more information about the event and other programs, please visit the Ward Foundation’s website at https://wardfdn.org/. Ward Foundation PO Box 2132 Salisbury, Maryland 21802 Phone: 410-339-0668 Email: .

https://wardfdn.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.

About the Ward Foundation:

The Ward Foundation is dedicated to promoting and preserving the legacy of the Ward Brothers, artistic traditions, community heritage, and connections to the natural environment.

Through various events, programs, and educational initiatives, the foundation supports and interprets the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Images:

  • Black Storytelling
    • Mentor artist Janice Greene (left) taught Black storytelling to apprentice artist Naomi Reid during a 2021-2022 Folklife Apprenticeship. © Maryland State Arts Council 2024, MSAC.org.
  • Bluegrass and country vocals
    • Mentor artist Dede Wyland (left) taught apprentice artist Jonathan Vocke bluegrass and country vocals in a 2021-2022 Folklife Apprenticeship. © Maryland State Arts Council 2024, MSAC.org.
  • botanical jewelry one
    • Mentor artist Linda Van Hart (right) taught apprentice artist Shannon Bernier Baltimore-style botanical jewelry making in a 2022-2023 Folklife Apprenticeship. © Maryland State Arts Council 2024, MSAC.org.
  • Decoy by Rich Smoker
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May 2, 2024 In Art, Conservation, Conservation Projects, News, Special Events

Waterfowl Festival, Inc Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

 

Easton, MD – For over fifty years, the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD, has supported dozens of projects across the region aimed at preserving our natural landscapes for all to enjoy. On June 13, 2024, the organization will host a unique evening to celebrate our commitment to the Eastern Shore’s heritage of abundant waterfowl and bountiful wetland resources. Nearly six million dollars of funds have been raised over the years and donated to mission-aligned organizations that help restore lands, educate the general public, and provide rich programming to our community’s children and students. 

 

The event will feature a seasonal menu directed by celebrated Chef Paul Shiley and the Tidewater’s outstanding culinary team led by Executive Chef Hampton Turner. Guests will enjoy a specialty cocktail, wonderful cuisine, and most especially fellowship with those who share a passion for our mission. During the evening, guests can explore displays of conservation projects funded over the years and engage in conversation with their stewards. Representatives from Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, ShoreRivers, and Pickering Creek will be on hand to discuss their funded conservation projects. 

 

“The Waterfowl Festival has a long tradition of partnering with organizations across the region to celebrate, support, and enhance our outdoor heritage and traditions,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Chairman, “This event will serve to celebrate this legacy and provide an insight to the work ahead of us in coming years.” 

 

The evening will end with keynote speaker Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, Ducks Unlimited. Dr. Waldrop will highlight some of the work funded over the years by the Waterfowl Festival as well as discuss innovative ways organizations are working on conservation projects at the national level. All proceeds of this dinner will be used for our Community in Conservation grant program.

 

Limited seating available. For tickets, please visit: waterfowfestival.org/conservation dinner or email Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, . 

 

About the Waterfowl Festival: 

Since 1971, Waterfowl Festival, Inc. has faithfully supported the principal tenet of waterfowl and wildlife conservation. Led by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the Waterfowl Festival has contributed over six million dollars to conservation organizations across the nation. The 2024 Festival will be held Nov. 8-10 in historic Easton, MD. For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.

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September 23, 2021 In Festival Highlights, Special Events

Sportsman’s Party

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

$50 per ticket!

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July 16, 2021 In News, Special Events

Fish for Fowl – Fishing Tournament to Benefit the Waterfowl Festival

A Fishing Tournament to Benefit the Waterfowl Festival

8/20 – 8/22
Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries

Categories for Snakehead, Rockfish and Perch

A new tournament supporting the conservation efforts of the Waterfowl Festival, this fishing tournament is designed to raise awareness for the Festival while celebrating another part of the Eastern shore heritage. Please come help us support the Festival and its impact on the Eastern Shore way of life.

Tournament Schedule:  Lines in the water at 5:30 a.m. on Friday 8/20 and lines out of the water by 3 p.m. Sunday 8/22/21

Tournament Contact: Teddy Hoover, Will White
Registration Fee:  $50 per angler plus $10 per calcutta
Awards : Doc’s Sunset Grill, Oxford, MD – 4 p.m. on 8/22

Payment: Via PayPal through the app. $50 per angler. $10 per calcutta must be paid for on this site – not on the app!

Scoring Guidelines:

  • The system will score up to 5 fish per category. Fish are scored based on length (inches) and the longest single length will take first place, second longest single length will take second place, and so on.
  • Largest single fish for each category – Rockfish (Stripped Bass), White Perch and Snakehead
  • Calcutta’s – Largest Snakehead, White Perch, and Rockfish total inches

Prizes:

  • Rock Fish/ Stripped Bass – prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
  • White Perch – prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
  • Snake Head Fish – prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

Calcutta categories:

  • Calcutta 1: Rockfish total inches out of 5 fish – $10
  • Calcutta 2: White Perch total inches out of 5 fish – $10
  • Calcutta 3: Snakehead total inches out of 5 fish – $10
  • Calcutta 4: Largest Single Mystery Fish – $10

Schedule:

  • Thursday, 8/19: A live facebook feed the night before the tournament on the Festival facebook page will be our Captains meeting
  • Friday, 8/20: Lines in the water at 5:30am
  • Sunday, 8/22: Lines out of the water by 3:00 pm

Sponsored by:

$50 Registration Includes:

T-shirt

Fishing Tournament Add-Ons

If you would like to participate in calcuttas, please pay for them on this site.

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