Facts & Figures

History:

The Waterfowl Festival was founded in 1971 with the support of Ducks Unlimited. Starting with 50 exhibitors and 4,000 visitors, the first Festival turned a profit of $7,500 which was contributed to Ducks Unlimited.

Purpose:

Conservation

The Waterfowl Festival Conservation Grants Program distributes the proceeds of each annual Festival to projects that promote and enhance wildlife conservation through habitat preservation, education and research. More than fifty conservation organizations have been involved in carrying out the projects that have been supported by the more than $5 million of Festival funding donated since 1971.

Promotion of Wildlife Art

The Festival provides an environment for artisans to gather, exhibit and sell their work. 300 nationally recognized artists are invited to participate, exhibiting paintings, sculpture, carvings, photography, decoys, crafts and folk art. The public is provided with the opportunity to view and purchase the finest wildlife art available in the world.

A Showcase for the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Autumn is the most spectacular time of year for the Eastern Shore and the Waterfowl Festival in historic Easton shows it off at its best. Thousands of geese fly overhead while thousands of visitors stroll the streets. Local hunting traditions and sportsmen's goods and gear are highlighted in addition to the wildlife art, with the World Championship Goose Calling Contest® and the Mason-Dixon Regional Duck Calling Contest taking place, as well as retriever, fly-fishing and shooting demonstrations, a Decoy Auction and much more.

Who Attends:

15,000 to 18,000 visitors from throughout the U.S. and other countries attend each year. Art collectors looking for the best in wildlife art, hunting enthusiasts celebrating their traditions and skills, families looking for a weekend getaway, and shoppers seeking the perfect holiday gifts all find something to enjoy at the Waterfowl Festival.

Who Makes It Happen:

More than 1,500 volunteers offer their time and services to stage each year's Festival. More than 50 committees work year-round to organize the events at 12 exhibit locations throughout the town of Easton. Four paid staff and an eighteen-member volunteer Board of Directors coordinate these efforts.