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Waterfowl Festival Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Members

[Easton, MD] – November 18, 2024 – Each year since 1992, the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame Awards have been given in recognition of the commitment and impact that individuals have made on the Festival and in turn our community. We proudly honor these people who have had a significant hand in shaping our event into one of the premiere wildlife and waterfowl art shows in the country. On November 13, 2024, three new honorees were inducted during the 53rd Annual Premier Night ceremonies in the iconic Crystal Room at the Tidewater Inn. 

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

This year, we proudly honor Blenda Armistead, Ron Flohr, and Butch Townsend, all of Talbot County, MD. 

Blenda Armistead has been a Waterfowl Festival volunteer for over 37 years. She began as a cashier and ultimately was named to her current role as an Art Committee chairman, focusing her efforts on the iconic Armory art exhibition each fall. She has served two terms on the board, including one year as Vice-President. Her husband Bruce is also a Hall of Fame honoree.

Ron Flohr was a ducksitter in his youth, helping the festival during his high school years. As an adult, Flohr served five years on the Board of Directors, ultimately being elected to two terms as president.  Ron is committed to his family, his community, and is well known for his passion for the Waterfowl Festival.

Samuel “Butch” Townsend began volunteering in 1999 in the Buy, Sell, Swap market, a favorite of long-time festival attendees. He co-chaired the Sportsman’s pavilion multiple times, and was a board member in 2009, 2012-2019 and again in 2020-2022. Townsend served as treasurer and was instrumental in helping the festival weather the financial landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic, ultimately helping establish a strong foundation and the ability to return to full operations by the fall of 2021. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Ron, Blenda, and Butch for their extraordinary contributions to the Waterfowl Festival,” said president Eric Millhollan. “Their passion, dedication, and vision have not only strengthened our Festival but have created opportunities for people in our community to understand and appreciate the cultural and natural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region.”

The 54th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for Nov. 14-16, 2025. For vendor or sponsor inquiries, please contact: . 

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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. 

The 54th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for Nov. 14-16, 2025. For vendor or sponsor inquiries, please contact: . 

For immediate release: October 23, 2024

Press Contact: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director

410-822-4567

Waterfowl Festival and Burnish Brewing  announce “In Flight” Beer release

[Easton, MD] – October 18, 2024– Waterfowl Festival Inc. and Burnish Beer Co. announce the limited edition release of “In Flight” a fall brew produced in collaboration with Bird Nickel Brewing of Easton, MD. This spiced winter lager will complement delicious fall food pairings and evoke warm memories of a crackling fire, good friends, and brisk outdoor fun – the perfect companion to help celebrate Waterfowl weekend!

The beer’s concept was developed with Doug Greene of Bird Nickel Brewing, who grew up in Easton and has a deep passion for the mission and vision of the Waterfowl Festival. Greene approached the festival in spring 2024 and the collaboration with Burnish soon followed. The beer’s eye-catching label is designed by Maggii Sarfaty, an Easton-based artist who also painted the background for this year’s festival map. 

During the festival, the beer will be available at Premier Night on Nov. 7 in all of the art pavilions, free to all VIP ticket holders while supplies last. Through the weekend, VIP ticket holders can request the beer in the VIP hospitality suite. “In Flight” can be purchased at the new Duck Blind Bar located within the Avalon Theatre. This venue will also feature seasonal craft beers from RAR, Big Truck, and Burley Oak.  Festival participants will also be able to sample the beer in the tasting pavilion located on Dover Street with the purchase of a tasting pavilion ticket. 

Parking and Transportation – Enjoy free parking and bus transportation with a festival ticket. Ample accessible parking, ticket booths, and bus stops will be located at Easton High School, Easton Elementary School, and Easton Middle School. Transportation and parking are available free with the support of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Benson and Mangold, and the Talbot County Public School System. Four bus routes this year will get your where you need to go, fast!

Questions? Please contact us at the Waterfowl Festival office, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00PM. Volunteers are needed for all venues and will earn a free ticket good for all three days of the festival!

 For tickets please visit: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets/

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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. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our 2024 Legacy Conservation Partners – PNC Bank, Guyette and Deeter, Ducks Unlimited, and the Maryland State Arts Council. 

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

Plan your route at the 2024 Waterfowl Festival to find something fun for everyone!

[Easton, MD] – October 10, 2024–Venues for the Waterfowl Festival 2024 offer fun for the whole family! Follow the Quackin’ Trail, ride a bus to your favorite exhibit, wine, dine, dance in the streets, and shop ‘til you drop at the art exhibits and exciting outdoor and indoor pavilions.

Quackin’ Trail – Little ducklings can pick up a Willa’s Waterfowl adventure map at any ticket booth and follow along for exhibits that will delight the kids! Activities include a live mermaid, the Phillip’s Wharf Fishmobile, face painting, goose calling clinic, silhouette painting class, and a live terrapin exhibit. Be sure to find Willa, Webster, and Winston, the festival’s mascots, for a special selfie that will make everyone smile. All kids activities are free for kids under ten with an adult ticket, some activities require advance reservation. 

Chesapeake Bay Pavilion – The Easton VFW Grounds will host a variety of activities such as the incredible raptor exhibit “Skyhunters in Flight.” Browse our indoor/outdoor vendors such as North Point Marina, various artisans, Mason-Dixon Outfitters, North American Retriever Club demos, and conservation exhibitors including Department of Natural Resources.

Talbot Humane Doggie DayCare – Can’t go anywhere without your pup but sometimes need a little “me-time?” Let Talbot Humane Society volunteers pamper your pooch while you enjoy the indoor exhibits. Armory Lawn. Small donation. 

Party at the Ponds! – Whether you are a hunter, angler, boater, dog lover, or just an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find something to interest you at the festival’s very own Bay Street Ponds property presented this year by The Oaks Waterfront Hotel. Festival guests can enjoy a glimpse of the hunting and angling world with the Talbot Retriever Club Dog Demonstrations, Kids Fishing Derby and Fly Fishing Demonstrations. Enjoy an interactive kid’s archery game by Bass Pro Outfitters, disc golf demo with Off Course and a Quackin’ Corner kid’s spot hosted by M&T Bank! Eat and drink at the famous Beer Wetlands sponsored by Kelly Distributing and enjoy a seasonal cocktail and eats from Gourmet by the Bay’s iconic mobile bar. The Sweet Fix truck will be there too! 

The Duck Blind, Tasting Tent, 4 Dogs Patio Paw-ty, and the Cocktail Corner – Beer lovers unite! Craft beer and specialty cocktails will be on the taps at the indoor Duck Blind venue, the tasting pavilion, and the Academy Art Museum’s cocktail corner presented by Delmarva Craft. Warm up and pick up your winter swag from RAR Brewing, Big Truck, Brackish Life, Waterfowl Festival licensed apparel shop and more in the Duck Blind. Featuring the Waterfowl Festival’s very own seasonal blend “In Flight” – a special collaboration by Burnish Brewing Company and Bird Nickel Brewing. In Qlarant tasting pavilion, local wine, cheese, beer and other delights will be available to sample and purchase. Throughout the weekend, join 4 Dogs Brewing at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy for a fun, lively patio party including a free Goose Music Conservation Kickoff Friday night. 

Sportsman’s Pavilion – Outdoor enthusiasts and sporting visitors can delight in the array of Sportsman’s Pavilion vendors at the Easton Elks Lodge, offering everything from big-game hunting adventure trips to the smallest fishing lure. Incredible new outdoor Waterfowl Festival attire will be here with the Brackish Life showcase. Warm up with the fire pits, dance to the live music, and shop for everything outdoors! Don’t miss the Delmarva Dock Dogs – a festival favorite for decades. Nearby, make sure to stop in to the Buy, Sell, Swap exhibit at Easton HIgh School and listen in at the World Waterfowl Calling Contest – host to the globe’s best callers since 1976.

Art Pavilions – Throughout downtown, a variety of art pavilions will enchant and entice collectors to seek out the very best in wildlife sculpture, paintings, carvings, and photography. A selection of the nation’s finest artisans and artists will be represented in the Pavilions presented this year by PNC Bank. Don’t miss the Featured Artist table, where Texas-based sculptor and painter Ronnie Wells will unveil this year’s waterfowl sculpture and painting. 

The Country School – Take a bus to the Country School this year, the new home of the Harry M. Walsh Waterfowling and History exhibits, the exclusive Guyette and Deeter auction, and the fun Tailgating swap and sell, a favorite of long-time festival attendees for its variety of affordable collectibles. 

Parking and Transportation – Enjoy free parking and bus transportation with a festival ticket. Ample accessible parking, ticket booths, and bus stops will be located at Easton High School, Easton Elementary School, and Easton Middle School. Transportation and parking are available free with the support of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Benson and Mangold, and the Talbot County Public School System. Four bus routes this year will get your where you need to go, fast!

Questions? Please contact us at the Waterfowl Festival office, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00PM. Volunteers are needed for all venues and will earn a free ticket good for all three days of the festival!

 For tickets please visit: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets/

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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. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our 2024 Legacy Conservation Partners – PNC Bank, Guyette and Deeter, Ducks Unlimited, and the Maryland State Arts Council. 

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

[Easton, MD] – August 29, 2024 – 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 8-10, 2024. The festival, now in its 53rd year, offers a diverse range of activities that highlight the art, culture, and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond.

Festival Highlights

This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages, with activities that cater to art enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike.

1. Fine Art and Photography Exhibits:
   Renowned wildlife artists and photographers from across the country will showcase their work in a series of exhibits spread throughout Easton. Visitors can expect to see stunning paintings, sculptures, decoys, and photographs that capture the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The works will be available for purchase, providing a unique opportunity to own a piece of art that reflects a deep appreciation for the outdoors. This year’s featured artist is acclaimed Texan sculptor and painter, Ronnie Wells. Wells is a crowd favorite and his works will shine in the newly expanded PNC Art Pavilion in the middle of the historic downtown. 
2. Going to the Dogs!
   All of our outdoor venues are dog friendly! Three amazing exhibits specifically focus on our lovable furry friends. Dog lovers will be thrilled by the retriever demonstrations at the Bay Street Ponds, the incredible competition between professionals and amateurs alike at the Delmarva Dock Dogs exhibit, and the lightning fast field trial dog demonstrations at the Chesapeake Bay Pavilion. At each pavilion, visitors can enjoy a variety of beverages and foods to help make their experience tasty and fun. 
3. Quackin’ Trail for the kids!
   The Waterfowl Festival is a family-friendly event with a range of activities designed to engage and educate children. New this year is the Quackin’ Trail! Parents can pick up a map for their kiddos at our ticket kiosks. The trial will lead kids to educational activities such as the Phillips Wharf Fishmobile, “Skyhunters in Flight” raptor show,The live Mermaid story times, face painting, and art activities throughout the festival. Kids 10 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Don’t miss the kid’s calling contest at the Sportsman’s pavilion. 
4. Shop ‘til you drop!
   If you need something to play outdoors, the festival will have it! Shopping pavilions include the Sportsman’s pavilion featuring the ever-popular Molly’s Place Sporting Goods, the Chesapeake Bay Pavilion full of crafts and items you need for water sports including some great boats from Northpoint Marina, the Marshland Mercantile with artisans and festival store merchandise, multiple fine art pavilions, and the incredible Buy, Sell, Swap collector’s venue. New this year is the Guyette & Deeter auction and tailgate swap, complete with an incredible display this year of Cobb Island decoys in the Harry M. Walsh Waterfowling Artifacts exhibit. Easton’s downtown merchants will also be stocked and ready for visitors, visit DiscoverEaston.com for current business listings.
5. Conservation Corner:
   The Waterfowl Festival is committed to the conservation of our wild open spaces and will feature presentations and exhibits from leading organizations in the Chesapeake Bay Pavilion. Learn about the latest efforts to protect and preserve vital habitats, and find out how you can get involved in local initiatives.
6. Eastern Shore Feast!
   No festival is complete without great food, and the Waterfowl Festival is no exception. Enjoy a variety of culinary delights throughout downtown. Local restaurants will feature incredible Chesapeake Bay fare and the food trucks scattered throughout will offer something delicious for everyone. Thirsty? Our guests over 21 can enjoy our new Duck Blind and Decoy bars, the famous Bullitt Garden Tasting Pavilion and the ever-popular Beer Wetlands.

8. Parking – free parking is available at Easton Middle School, Easton High School, and Easton Elementary school – all locations have accessible parking and bus stops – easy to get downtown!

For tickets please visit: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets/

For immediate release: 

September 6th, 2024

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

Waterfowl Festival Announces Conservation Mini-Grant Awards

Easton, MD – The Waterfowl Festival Conservation Committee is delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Community in Conservation Grants. 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: Ducks Unlimited Inc., Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, and ShoreRivers. Each organization created exceptional projects that will educate and have a positive impact on our community. 

“For over fifty years, we have supported organizations whose mission is to acknowledge the importance of our natural environment and open spaces, and work to preserve it,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee chairman. “We congratulate Ducks Unlimited, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, and ShoreRivers for their exceptional contributions to this work and are excited to see the positive results of these funded projects.” 

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 2025.

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 during this year’s Waterfowl Festival November 8-10, 2024. Please contact the Waterfowl Festival for more information on how your organization can participate by emailing or by calling our office, 410-822-4567.