waterfowl Tag

April 16, 2026 In News, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Sammie Adams-Mercer named to Shore Leadership Class of 2026

Sammie Adams-Mercer, Assistant Director of the Waterfowl Festival, has been selected to participate in the Shore Leadership Class of 2026. Adams-Mercer is among 24 professionals chosen for this highly regarded, nine-month experiential program dedicated to strengthening leadership capacity across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Founded in 1997, Shore Leadership convenes monthly sessions in a different Eastern Shore county, each centered on a key regional issue. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with facilitators from the United States Naval Academy’s James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Through direct engagement with community leaders, industry experts, and regional institutions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic, social, and environmental factors shaping the Shore. The program fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration, equipping participants with the insight and skills necessary to address the region’s interconnected opportunities and challenges.

“Sammie is a vital part of the Waterfowl Festival organization,” said Executive Director and Shore Leadership alumna Deena Kilmon. “Community interconnectedness has been central to our fifty-five years of success, and Shore Leadership provides an exceptional opportunity to develop the skills needed to strengthen those connections. We congratulate Sammie and all members of the Class of 2026 on this achievement.”

Adams-Mercer’s selection reflects her ongoing commitment to community engagement and professional growth. Her participation in Shore Leadership will further enhance the Waterfowl Festival’s mission to celebrate and conserve the cultural and natural heritage of the Eastern Shore while fostering strong partnerships throughout the region.

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 2026 festival will be held on November 13-15. For more Info: waterfowlfestival.org or email .

May 9, 2025 In Art, Featured Art, Painters, Waterfowl

Art of the Wild Prominent at 2025 Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD

For immediate release: May 9, 2025

Press Contact: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director

410-822-4567

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.

To learn more about the festival, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

About the Waterfowl Festival:

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About the Waterfowl Festival

in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

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

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.

January 15, 2025 In Festival Highlights, News, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Appoints New Directors for 2025

Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcome New Board Members

Easton, Md. –January 15, 2025 Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January. Jonathan Rondeau, Kim Newcomb, and Amy Horne have joined the organization this month.

“As we enter into the New Year, we are pleased to have three new board members that have a diverse array of skills and capabilities, each one uniquely important to the continued success of our historic festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Rondeau and Horne will bring fresh ideas and new energy. Newcomb, a thirty-year chairman and returning board member, will offer a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective.”

Jonathon Rondeau is President & CEO of the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. He partners with The Arc’s board of directors to set the strategic vision and direction of The Arc to make a lasting impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the last 6 years, Jonathon has championed transformational change and growth by expanding services, increasing The Arc’s regional presence, and developing leadership at every level of the organization. His past roles include President & CEO of Family League of Baltimore; Vice President, Community Services and then Chief Program Officer of Melwood; and Director of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation, Autism Services & Transportation for The League for People with Disabilities. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Maryland and Baltimore’s The Leadership 2017 program.

Rondeau holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Springfield College. Jonathon resides in Catonsville with his husband, Matt and their son.

A native of Easton, Amy Horne is a life-long participant in the festival, having begun her journey as a youth volunteer or “Ducksitter” while still in high school. Horne currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Michaels Community Center. Her recent past role as the Executive Director of Casa of Caroline showcased her substantial talent in creating a positive impact in the community, an ability to successfully create multi-dimensional fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organization, and a strong ability to create opportunities for volunteers and community partners to participate in the organization’s work.

Horne holds a Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She has served as the President of Denton Rotary and the Shireton Condominium Association. Past board experience includes the Domestic Violence Center of Greater New Haven and the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She lives in Easton with her husband Ernie Rowe.

Kim Newcomb returns to the board after a few year’s hiatus. She is a native of Talbot County and has a deep love and appreciation for the waterfowling traditions and Eastern Shore lifestyle. Newcomb brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked for many years at Safariland Hunting Corporation. Currently she is the owner of Terry k & Associates, a real estate appraisal office.

Since 1996 she has been the Waterfowl Festival Artifacts Chairman, spearheading and designing each year’s educational exhibit which has delighted thousands of visitors over the years. Newcomb and her husband Ronnie were inducted into the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame in 2016. Her past experiences also include serving on the board and as the interim Deputy Director of the acclaimed Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. She has served on the Dorchester County Historical Society Board of Directors (2012-2016) and the Dorchester County Sanitation Board of Trustees (2014-current), serving as President of the Board from 2015-2020. Kim and Ronnie reside in Church Creek, Maryland.

About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email or call 410-822-4567.