Waterfowl Weekend, hosted by the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center at the “End of the Road” on Harker’s Island, will take place Dec. 2 to 4.
One of most celebrated weekends in the Down East Community, over the years it has come to serve as a homecoming-like gathering for those wishing to partake in the celebration of Down East history, culture and local traditions.
The three-day event will kick off Friday night with a preview gala to usher in a year-long celebration of the museum’s 25th Anniversary.
The next two days will be jam-packed with events including a weekend-long silent auction, carving demonstrations, local music, book signings, and much more. And, as always, the promise of fresh, local seafood, accompanied with some famous Core Sound Sweet Puppies.
In anticipation of its 25th year, the weekend will provide a glimpse of the many projects and events planned to celebrate the museum’s anniversary.
“Harkers Island is the place and the first weekend of December is the time, but the story of waterfowling, decoy-carving, and all the other heritage crafts of Core Sound goes generations back and encompasses the entire region – from Ocracoke to Harkers Island,” explains Director Karen Amspacher. “What began as a small group of decoy carvers buying and selling decoys is now a weekend island celebration of heritage, traditions, and Down East Pride.”
Some Waterfowl Weekend events include:
Friday evening, Dec 2:
6:30 pm – Preview Gala
The Wild Game and Seafood Extravaganza will be followed by a massive dessert party with specialty coffees, live music, silent auction and a preview of more than 60 of the region’s most talented artists, carvers and crafters.
Keeping the tradition of honoring leaders and contributors throughout the museum’s history, this year’s Friday night honorees will be the Ramsey Family of Harkers Island. Jarrett Bay Boatworks owner, Randy Ramsey, his wife Tiffany, and his parents Cab and Barbara Ramsey will be recognized for their extraordinary leadership and investment in the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center from the beginning.
The Second Annual Champagne Decoy Floating Competition will welcome carvers from across the country to compete for this unique decoy carving category. Decoys, detailed and true-to-life, small enough to fit into a champagne glass will be judged and awarded during the Friday night event.
Tickets are $150/couple and are on sale now by calling 252.728.1500 x 21.
Saturday, Dec. 3:
Doors open at 9 am with hot, light rolls
More than 75 carvers, artists, model boat builders and crafters of all kinds will fill the education hall, the tent, porches and outside areas with a wide selection of collectibles.
Lunch menu includes scallop fritters, stewed shrimp, fried shrimp and hot dogs along with Core Sound’s original sweet puppies.
Core Sound’s Second Annual Core Sound Heritage Auction at 5 p.m. will offer 20 select carvings for auction, providing serious collectors the opportunity to purchase decoys from Core Sound’s past, each with its own unique story.
Sunday, Dec. 4:
Church at 8 am
Sunday Morning Community Church has become the highlight of the weekend bringing together the island’s sacred music traditions from across the faith community. Rev. Kerry Willis will lead the service, followed by a community breakfast. After church, the weekend activities continue with a return of arts and crafts, old boat restoration, children’s activities and delicious local seafood.
For more information and the updated schedule, go to www.coresound.com. Also on Facebook, or call 252-728-1500.
