Ryan Barnes for SPLIT REED
Coronavirus has been a thorn in everyone’s side since the beginning of March. It’s been canceling events, furloughing workers, and making everyday life pretty miserable for some people. Finally, though, it seems like life has been starting to have some sort of normalcy. With sports beginning to return, and restaurants allowing you to finally sit down and eat, it feels like we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, not all of the shockwaves of COVID19 have subsided, and one has hit close to home for waterfowlers. The 50th anniversary of the World Waterfowl Festival has been canceled.
In a statement released yesterday (6/8/2020) by the Waterfowl Festival committee, they stated; “For the first time in our history, the Waterfowl Festival will not be held this November- at least not in its usual form. Instead, we, along with conservation partner Waterfowl Chesapeake, will devote our energies to developing some new plans for this fall, including virtual programming that brings people together to celebrate the Eastern Shore heritage, culture and birdlife. The 50th Festival will be held in its traditional style in November 2021.”
Between all of the events, from the artwork, the call makers contests, to the world calling contests, this is a devastating announcement to the waterfowling community. Since 1971 people from all over North America, and more recently all over the globe have been looking forward to making their way to the world-famous Eastern Shore of Maryland to take in some of the richest history of waterfowl hunting and witness some of the greatest names in the sport compete in their craft. Unfortunately, this year, that won’t be an option.
“This decision can feel like a step backwards, however, we see it as an opportunity to try new things, to grow and change. I have every confidence that we will emerge stronger and better. I expect that the 50th Festival in 2021 will be an even more incredible community celebration of the arts and our Eastern Shore heritage one more vibrant than we could’ve ever imagined”, was the closing remark on the statement issued by the Waterfowl Festival committee.
While this disheartening news may make for a dismal day, we do want to shed light on the fact that waterfowl season is right around the corner. So get out, scout your new spots, and get prepared for this coming season.
