The Waterfowl Festival returns to historic Easton, Md. for its 42nd year on November 8-11, 2012. More than 18,000 visitors are expected to experience a time-honored Eastern Shore tradition that pays homage to the annual migration of geese through the Atlantic Flyway and supports wildlife and habitat conservation throughout the region. The Festival kicks off with Opening Ceremonies and the VIP Premiere Night Party on Thursday, November 8th and then opens to the general public on Friday, November 9th.
“Like all traditions, the Festival blends history with change and this year is no exception,” comments Ron Flohr, Waterfowl Festival board president. “This year we will honor the contributions of one of our founders while also introducing new elements to the weekend festivities.”
On Saturday, November 10th at 11:00am, the Waterfowl Festival will dedicate the Harry M. Walsh Waterfowling Artifacts Exhibit in memory of the first President and Chairman of the Board of the Waterfowl Festival. Dr. Walsh amassed a collection of decoys, waterfowling firearms, gunning accoutrements, and historic photographs of waterfowling that served as the beginning for the exhibit that will now bear his name.
This year, the Festival debuts the new Sporting Arms exhibit presented by the organization’s first-ever Premiere Night Sponsor, the Avon-Dixon Insurance Agency. In addition to underwriting the majority of the costs associated with the VIP party, it will also be hosting an exhibit at its North Harrison Street location that traces the evolution of the Shore’s Hunting and Sporting Heritage from past to present through antique and contemporary gun displays and other memorabilia.
Also new this year is 2012 Waterfowl Festival Featured Artist, painter Mark Eberhard, and his signature piece, Sunday in the Park, which is this year’s poster image and the inspiration for the 2012 promotional materials. The original piece, along with other pieces of Eberhard’s work will be on display in the Featured Artist and Festival Shoppe Pavilion on Harrison Street. The Masters Gallery at the Avalon Theatre will also host the exclusive Legends of the Shore Collection – a series of plein air scenes by John and Suzie Seerey-Lester showcasing the beauty and heritage of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Now in its second year, the Waterfowl Chesapeake Pavilion remains at its Harrison Street location and will be the weekend home of the Festival’s sister conservation organization, Waterfowl Chesapeake, and other exhibits by local conservation organizations and green businesses.
Perennial favorites will also return this year including the popular Dock Dogs Competition at Idlewild Park, the Retriever Demonstrations at the Bay Street Ponds, the Wine, Beer and Tasting Pavilion on Harrison Street and the annual Calling Contest Competitions on Friday and Saturday at Easton High School. For a complete schedule of events and details about all the events and exhibits, festival visitors are encouraged to visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.
“We are excited to present yet another great year and hope that as visitors enjoy the crisp autumn weather, their favorite Festival exhibits and a cup of crab soup, they remember to look up at the ducks and geese flying overhead – because this event, really, is “all about the birds,” shared Flohr.
About the Waterfowl Festival
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 42nd Festival will be held November 9-11, 2012 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $12 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.
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