Today we’d like to introduce you to Deena Kilmon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, was founded in November 1971 by a group of local sportsmen and conservationists to celebrate the Eastern Shore’s wildlife heritage and raise funds for habitat protection Local enthusiasts planned the event around 1970 to coincide with the opening of the local goose hunting season. The initial festival featured just three small exhibits of decoy carvings, art, and artifacts in downtown Easton. It grew from a modest local gathering into a massive multi-venue event spanning over two dozen locations across Easton.
Since 1971, the organization has contributed over six million dollars to conservation and education. The 2025 festival drew over 30,000 attendees from 45 states, Mexico, and Canada. It is considered the best event for wildlife and sporting art in the Mid-Atlantic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The festival has had a fanstastic history and journey. Initially supported by volunteers, many of whom are still in place today after 55 years, has created a community of stead-fast supporters and champions. Like many organizations, the economy can affect attendance as well as disruptive events like Covid 19 pandemic, but remarkably the Waterfowl Festival has weathered most of these events due to strong community support.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a professional I am innovative and forward-thinking. I try to understand an organization from the inside out, with an eye kept on the past and its present. I enjoy working with others towards a common goal and the festival is a wonderful organization that supports the community at large. It is a privilege to work with an organization that is so beloved by the community that some familes have four generations of volunteers that have shared their talents and time with us.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is when we put due dilegence towards our stated goal, respecting all parties involved, and learning from our challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waterfowlfestival.org
- Instagram: waterfowl Festival
- Facebook: Waterfowl Festival
