19th annual Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo

From 19th annual Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo Website:

The crisp, clear fall air and beautiful grounds of the museum will once again set the stage for a day of excitement, anticipation, and socialization among decoy collectors and carvers from across the country. Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo pays tribute to decoys from the past while encouraging the carving of new ones. Admission to the event and museum is free!

Exciting Marketplace

The front parking lot is transformed into a festive marketplace. More than thirty vendors will participate in the buying, selling and trading of an eclectic mix of fine antique decoys, folk art and collectible waterfowling and hunting items. The vendors are always eager to see what new treasures will be brought to the buy, sell or trade. Visitors are encouraged to bring their decoys in for identification and/or appraisal.
Competitions
The competition pays tribute to old working decoys while encouraging the carving of new ones. Displayed in the Victor Oristano Meeting Room are the decoys entered by collectors into the "Old Birds" Antique Decoy Competition. Also held in the lobby is the Contemporary Antique Competition which challenges carvers try to emulate the appearance of antique decoys. It is quite interesting to compare the two competitions. This year, the contemporary antique carvers will be competing with Widgeon decoys. The Chesapeake Challenge, a competition for contemporary decoys, will also be taking place.
Activities
The front parking lot is full of activities. Chesapeake Challenge participants compete for prizes in floating, shorebird, and woodpecker decoy divisions. There is a Youth competition in all three divisions and they are the first to be judged. Don't miss out on the carving demos! There are also childrens activities at the Kid's Corner which include many make and take projects and educational nature activities.


Opening Receptions:

Chincoteague Decoys; Tide and Times, Saturday October 8, 2016 9:00 A.M.

For well over a century, hunting decoy carvers have had a special place in Chincoteague, VAs unique landscape, creating stools for the hunters rig, and works of art that reflect their important waterfowling heritage. Modern carvers carry on this legacy by carving according to time-honored traditions, and producing innovations to thrive in a rapidly-changing cultural landscape. This fall the Ward Museum is excited to celebrate the place of Chincoteague decoys in the world of carving, and in the heritage of the Eastern Shore. Come experience the form and artistry of both antique and contemporary Chincoteague decoys. Learn about this unique island and the carvers born of this place.

This exhibit is funded in part by a grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

The Sam Dyke Gateway to Outdoor Discovery Dedication, Saturday October 8, 2016 2 P.M.