Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition & Art Festival

The World Championship is an international event where carvers, collectors, and visitors convene at the end of each April in Ocean City, Maryland.  From highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys, about 1,200 different wildfowl carvings representing more than 150 species from around the world can be viewed at the premiere, the most prestigious competition in the world.  Competitors of all levels–from youth to world champions–compete against their peers for the chance to win a portion of nearly $60,000 in prize money, as well as other recognition including ribbons, medallions, plaques, and trophies. There are over 40 different divisions in which an artist can compete–decorative life-size and miniature wildfowl, floating waterfowl, interpretive, gunning decoys, contemporary antiques, and sculpture.

• See the World’s best wildfowl art! Check out this video from WBOC’s DelmarvaLife! And this video from PAC14!
• Attend seminars and classes by master carvers for artists of all skill levels.  Instructors/Speakers this year: Rich Smoker, Ross Smoker, Josh Guge, Pat Godin, Dan Burgette, Peter Palumbo, Tommy Stewart, Tom Matus, Tom Christie, and MANY MORE. 
• A Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art Pop-Up Exhibit: Around the World in 80 Carvings
• Shop from a wide variety of vendors for fine artwork, home decorators, art supplies, and more.
• Bring the children to Kid’s Corner to create fun make-and-take projects.
• Stroll the boardwalk of the convention center while watching artfully carved decoys floating on the bay.

With your multi-day event pass, there’s plenty to do at the Ward World Championship, all within a convenient walk or OC bus ride from your beach hotel.