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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.

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June 16, 2025 In Uncategorized

Waterfowl Festival Receives FY 2025 Historic Preservation Capital Grant 

The Waterfowl Festival Inc, is excited to announce that the Waterfowl Building (formerly the Easton Armory) will be receiving a new roof after being awarded a grant from The Maryland Historical Trust.  The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program provides support to organizations and private citizens for preservation-related acquisition and construction projects as well as for architectural, engineering, archaeology, and consulting services needed in the development of construction projects. For FY25, the Historic Preservation Capital Grant program received 55 applications requesting over $4 million in funding. This year’s nine  grant awards range from $40,000 to $100,000. 

 

“This is fantastic news,” remarked Tony Kern, Waterfowl Festival Board Vice- president. “While we are proud to be the stewards of the building for the community, the maintenance and upkeep is a challenge. This award will help us preserve the integrity of the structure for future generations of Talbot County community members.”

 

The Armory, built in 1927, hosts dozens of community events each year including Plein Air Easton, TIS Lip Sync Battle, the Annual Frederick Douglass Birthday Dinner, First Night Talbot, and the iconic Waterfowl Festival each November. Historically, it has held political rallies, numerous civic organizations, and many pivotal events in Easton’s history. Plans to renovate the interior will be developed over the coming year based on funding and community input.

 

Work will begin in late summer. For more information on use of the Waterfowl building for your organization, please contact .

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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

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 visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

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

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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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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.
###

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
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February 19, 2025 In Carvers, News, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcomes Talbot County’s Ernie Burns to Board of Directors

Easton, Md. –February 19, 2025  Waterfowl Festival Inc. proudly welcomes longstanding volunteer and carver Ernie Burns to the Board of Directors. 

 

Ernie Burns was born into an Eastern Shore farming family. As a child he explored the land and water, hunted and fished, and learned the art of wildfowl carving from his parents, Ed and Esther Burns. With them he visited the very first Waterfowl Festival and has attended and/or volunteered at every Festival since.

 

“Tradition, art, and family are values that we celebrate at the Waterfowl Festival.” remarked Executive Director Deena Kilmon. “Burns, with his life-long passion and mulit-generational family volunteer history will bring a deep passion and solid understanding of the festival’s mission and vision. We are excited to have him take a leadership role and help shape the festival’s future.”

 

Burns has worked as an educator for over two decades with Talbot County Public Schools and is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins University. Burns lives on West Sherwood Farms, his family farm, located outside Bozman, Maryland. Ernie continues to create bird and duck sculptures in the studio that inspires him and serves on the scholarship and carving committees for the Waterfowl Festival.

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February 19, 2025 In Uncategorized

Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcomes Austin Durrer to Board of Directors

Easton, Md. –February 19, 2025  Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed Austin Durrer to their Boards of Directors. 

 

“As our organization continues to grow, we are pleased to announce the addition of Austin to our team. Austin was a key member of our volunteer core last fall, chairing two separate committees and supporting our operations downtown.” remarked executive director Deena Kilmon. “The magic of the festival and its longevity depend on enthusiastic and committed volunteers like Austin.”

 

Over his 20 years working in the federal government and in national politics, Austin has served as Chief of Staff for multiple Congressmembers on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, and as campaign manager for a major statewide campaign. Through this experience, Austin has developed exceptional relationships, knowledge, political expertise and the ability to develop and communicate complex issues designed to advance client interests at the federal, state and local levels. As a partner at Moran Global Strategies, a leading government relations consulting firm, Austin is an expert on the appropriations process, focused on the defense technology sector.

Austin splits his time between Washington D.C. and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where he raises his daughter Campbell. In his spare time, he trains for triathlons, is a member of the local C3 Cycling Club, an avid outdoorsman, nonfiction fan, and pulls for his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also was awarded an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. 

 

Image: Austin Durrer

 

About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

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 54th annual festival will be  held November 14-16, 2025. For more information on being an exhibitor, volunteer, or corporate partner, please contact executive director Deena Kilmon, or call 410-822-4567. Website: waterfowlfestival.org 

Board of Directors member Austin Durrer

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February 4, 2025 In Uncategorized

Waterfowl Festival Recognizes Waterfowl Festival Volunteer Awards for 2024 

Easton, MD – February 1, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival and the Maryland State Arts Council, is pleased to announce that ten volunteers were recognized this year at the annual volunteer appreciation party as follows: 

Richard Allison – For Music Direction at the 2024 Festival 

Daniel Ketelsen – Artifacts Support Chairman – 2023 and 2024

Dennis Cassidy & Archie Tinelli – Bus and Logistics Chairman – 2024

Katie Ewers & Caroline Spurry – Cocktail Decoy Auction, multiple years

Jon Walzack – Calling Contest Support Chairman, 2024

Christine Spears & Carrie Spears – Special recognition for year-round festival administration and office support, 2024-2025

Eric Milhollan – President, 2024

 

“For over fifty years, the Waterfowl Festival counts on the support of hundreds of volunteers to help us create an incredible event for the community.” remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “These ten outstanding individuals were honored this year in recognition of their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our organization.”

 

The Waterfowl Festival Award was presented this year along with a custom sterling silver goose pendant provided by community partner, Nelson Coleman. The event, held at the iconic Waterfowl Festival building in historic downtown Easton,  was catered by 4 Dogs Brewing Co. and attended by well over two hundred volunteers. The event was sponsored in part by PNC, The Ward Foundation, Guyette & Deeter, Ducks Unlimited, Pella, Eastern Shore Tents and Events, The Tidewater Inn,  and Coastal Style. 

 

Interested community members are encouraged to reach out to find out how to volunteer for this year’s event, being held November 14-16, 2025, by emailing or calling 410-822-4567. Student volunteers will receive service hours and may be eligible for the William A. Perry Scholarship after completing specific requirements. The fund has awarded over $100,000 in grants to college students since 2015. 

 

Images: Outgoing President Eric Milhollan and 2025 President Julie Susman; Katie Ewers, Julie Susman and Louise Perry. 

 

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. Website: waterfowlfestival.org

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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.

###

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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