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.
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.
Waterfowl Festival Invests $70,000 in Maryland Wetland Restoration Projects
Easton, MD – [Insert Date] – The Waterfowl Festival announced today a $70,000 conservation investment to support DU’s Conservation for a Continent Campaign in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These projects will restore wetlands on publicly accessible lands—ensuring that Maryland residents, sportsmen and women, birdwatchers, and future generations have access to natural and wild open spaces.This funding will directly benefit waterfowl, wildlife, water quality, and outdoor recreation at three high-priority sites: Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area (Queen Anne’s County), LeCompte Wildlife Management Area (Dorchester Co), and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County).
For more than 50 years, the Waterfowl Festival has celebrated the rich traditions of the Chesapeake Bay while advancing habitat conservation. This year’s gift, funded by the proceeds from the festival’s annual and iconic Premiere Night event, underscores the Festival’s renewed commitment to protecting the landscapes that sustain both wildlife and the way of life that makes the Shore unique.
“Supporting meaningful, strategic, and shovel-ready projects of this size ensures that our investment in conservation has lasting impact,” said Julie Susman, Board President, Waterfowl Festival. “These projects improve waterfowl habitat in some of the most important areas of the Atlantic Flyway while also enhancing public access, recreation, and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”
The $70,000 contribution will help fund three major projects:
Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area (Queen Anne’s County) – $20,000 will restore 16.2 acres of marginal farmland into shallow emergent wetlands, improving habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds while reducing an estimated 826 pounds of nitrogen and nearly 39,000 pounds of sediment from entering the Bay each year.
LeCompte Wildlife Management Area (Dorchester County) – $20,000 will support the conversion of 16.6 acres of agricultural land into managed wetlands, enhancing habitat for migratory waterfowl and reducing more than 1,100 pounds of nitrogen and 59,000 pounds of suspended solids annually in the Nanticoke watershed.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County) – $30,000 will leverage federal funding to restore 23 acres within the Refuge’s core 250-acre managed wetland complex. This work will sustain one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl and improve water quality by reducing 1,800 pounds of nitrogen and more than 160 tons of sediment annually.
“The Chesapeake Bay’s wetlands are irreplaceable for waterfowl and people alike,” said Taylor Deemer, DU Director of Development/Maryland-Delaware. “The Waterfowl Festival’s investment is a powerful example of how conservation and community come together to make a lasting difference.”
Projects are expected to be completed by June 2026.
About the Waterfowl Festival The Waterfowl Festival, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Easton, Maryland, is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the celebration of waterfowl art, and the preservation of Eastern Shore heritage. Since its founding in 1971, the Festival has raised millions for habitat restoration and community programs across the Chesapeake Bay region. Learn more at www.waterfowlfestival.org.
Image: Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors present check to DU Conservation for a Continent program. In order from left to right: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival; Jake McPherson, Ducks Unlimited Managing Director of Development- Great Lakes/Atlantic Region; Julie Susman, President, Waterfowl Festival 2025, Austin Durrer, Waterfowl Development Committee Chairman; Chip Heaps, Waterfowl Conservation Committee Chairman; Ernest Burns& Jonathon Rondeau, Waterfowl Board of Directors; Taylor Deemer, DU Director of Development/MD-DE; Colin Perry, Amy Horne, and Kim Newcomb, Waterfowl Board of Directors.
[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.
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.
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 Directorfor 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.
Celebrated Eastern Shore event to feature acclaimed artist’s works in November
Four specil event venues will feature artists from all over North America at the 2025 Waterfowl Festival, to be held November 14-16, 2025, in Easton, Maryland.
Now in its 54th year, the Waterfowl Festival is a premier showcase of wildlife and sporting art, attracting thousands of collectors, conservationists, and art lovers to Maryland’s Eastern Shore each fall. Juried artists are carefully selected based on originality, craftsmanship, and a demonstrated connection to waterfowl, wildlife, or outdoor heritage. Each year, over half a million dollars in art is sold during the three-day festival – one of the largest pop-up art galleries of its kind on the East Coast. Other Festival venues showcase priceless decoys, fine art collections, and other antiquities for sale related to wildlife and sporting art.
A selection of artists that are coming include Al Barker, Bernie Houston, Pete Nevins, Chris Wilson, Al Jordan, Nancy Tankersley, Jill Basham, Vlad Duchev, Sue Adair, Laura McGowan, Elizabeth Rhoades, Sara Linda Poly, Kelly McNeill, Bernie Houston, Larry Ringold, Russ Smoker, Rich Smoker, Eric Tardiff and more. For a full list of artists, please visit our website.
Feature Artist of the year Al Barker created a work inspired by the beautiful rural landscapes surrounding Easton etitled “Down the Road”. Hundreds of years of agriculture have dotted the region with rustic farmhouses and peaceful meadows of grass and grain. Birds of all kinds find home here on the Mid-Atlantic Flyway. Barker captures the essence of the area perfectly with his watercolor, “Down the Road.” The piece evokes a sense of timelessness that has captivated generations of artists to work, live, and visit the area. Barker’s work can be viewed during the festival and the image will be used in the 2025 Waterfowl Festival poster, available for purchase online and at the festival. The artist will be on hand to sign copies and showcase additional original works for sale.
Renowned outdoor painters, sculptors, carvers, and photographers from across the country will showcase their work in a series of exhibits spread throughout Easton. Attendees will enjoy viewing works of art of all sizes 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.
The Waterfowl Festival is more than an art show — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and conservation. Festival attendees enjoy birds of prey exhibitions, working dog trials, retriever demonstrations, a Quackin’ Trail of activities for children, live music venues, and more. The proceeds from the festival support wildlife habitat preservation and conservation efforts across the nation.
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 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
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.”
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.
