Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival

Sunday, Apr 27, 2025 at 10:00am

Roland E. Powell Convention Center
4001 Coastal Highway
410-339-0668

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:

08:00 am - 10:00 am: Carvers and guest (with a badge) special photo session - A/B Hall
10:00 am - 02:00 pm

- Carving Demonstrations
- Kid's Corner
- Champagne Waterfowl Silent Auction continues until noon

12:00 pm: Awards Presentations

- Living Legends
- Special Awards
- People's Choice
- Youth
- Sculpture
- Divisions: Lem and Steve, Novice, Intermediate, Advance
- Special Memorial Awards
- Masters
- Worlds

3:00 pm: Carving Check Out


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