The 8th Annual Ocracoke Island Waterfowl Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held in the Ocracoke School gym on School Road.
The festival, hosted by the Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild, celebrates the traditional craft of hand-carved waterfowl decoys. This art form is a significant part of the island’s hunting and maritime heritage.
Festival goers can look forward to a range of activities. These include exhibits and sales of handcrafted decoys and wildlife art, live carving demonstrations by skilled artisans, and an opportunity to chat with master carvers, wildlife artists and writers. There will also be educational exhibits about waterfowl hunting and coastal traditions, a silent auction and raffles. On Saturday, attendees can enjoy a fish fry and bake sale.
“The Waterfowl Festival is more than an art show—it’s a celebration of Ocracoke’s living history. We’re proud to share this unique tradition with both residents and visitors,” said the festival organizers.
This year’s featured carver is local artisan Eddie O’Neal. His hand-carved Canada goose decoy will be raffled during the event.
Shuttle service will be available from the NPS parking lot to the school.
