Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival

The World Championship is an international event where carvers, collectors, and visitors convene at the end of each April in Ocean City, MD. From highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys, about 1200 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.

Schedule of Events:

All Judging in Hall A/B unless otherwise noted

7:00 - 9:00 a.m: Wildfowl Competition Registration

9:30 a.m:

Judging - World Divisions
Decorative Life-size Wildfowl
Decorative Miniature Wildfowl
Interpretive Wood Sculpture
World Shootin’ Rig Division - Assawoman Bay
Note: Judging time on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

10:00 a.m:

Judging - Advanced, Intermediate, Novice Divisions
Decorative Life-size Floating Waterfowl
Decorative Life-size Wildfowl
Interpretive Wood Sculpture
Decorative Miniature Wildfowl

10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m:

Photo Studio with Alan Wycheck
Kids’ Corner - Featured kids’ art activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Carving Demonstrations

11:00 a.m:

Judging - World Division
Decorative Life-size Waterfowl Pair
World Single Gunner Decoy (When Shootin’ Rig is done)
Note: Judging times on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

Judging - Masters Divisions
Decorative Life-size Wildfowl
Decorative Miniature Wildfowl
Interpretive Wood Sculpture

Noon:

Judging - Masters Division
Decorative Lifesize Floating Waterfowl

1:00 p.m:

Judging - Lem & Steve Ward Competition
Single Gunner - Assawoman Bay*
*Note: Judging times on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

1:30 p.m: Judging - Advanced Decorative Miniature

2:00 p.m: Judging - Sculpture Other Than Wood

4:30 p.m:

Judging - Intermediate, Novice Divisions
Best in Show

5:30 p.m: Living Legends Awards and Dinner (Advance Ticket Required), The Grand Hotel

Admission:

Multi-Day Pass: $10
Seniors & Students: $8
Children Under 12: Free (with adult)
Living Legends Dinner Tickets - $75 for Members; $85 for Non-Members