The public is invited to attend the Maumee Bay Carvers Association’s 42nd annual Decoy Show and Swap and Sell Meet on Saturday, August 10 at the Magee Marsh Visitor Center, 13299 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor. The event will happen rain or shine.
Free and family-friendly, this event is a great opportunity to view delicately carved, handmade decoys and shorebirds in the tradition of the American hunting decoy.
Carvers of all skill levels are encouraged to compete by entering their working decoys and shorebirds, which will be judged and awarded cash prizes and medallions. Carvers from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio entered over 50 hunting decoys at last year’s show.
Entries in three of the contests; Lake Erie Singles, Pairs, and IWCA style Working Class, are floated in a water-filled tank. The working shorebirds are stickmounted on a base. There is a small entry fee for the competition.
Registration for carvers begins at 9 a.m. and judging follows registration.
A sell and swap meet will also be held. Carvers can bring hunting items, decoys, carving items, wood supplies, etc., to sell or trade. There is no cost and you must bring your own tables.
The newly renovated Magee Marsh Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center will also be open. The museum features decoys on display made by Ohio renowned carvers including “Buckeye” Joe Wooster. The collection is considered to be one of the most comprehensive displays representing Ohio decoy carvers.
Visit maumeebaycarvers. com for more information, competition rules and awards.
