Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Hosts 44th Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival
Chincoteague Island’s beloved Easter Decoy & Art Festival returns for its 44th year, bringing together talented artisans, passionate collectors, and guests from near and far to celebrate the rich artistic and cultural traditions of Chincoteague Island and the Eastern Shore. This spring tradition sponsored by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce will take place on Friday, April 18, from 12pm to 5pm, and Saturday, April 19, from 9am to 4pm at the Chincoteague Combined School located at 4586 Main Street. Admission is $5 per day with children under 12 admitted free of charge. Capt. E’s Hurricane Grill & Tiki Bar Food Truck will be on premises serving lunch both days and breakfast on Saturday.
The two-day juried festival held on Easter weekend will showcase the work of 75 exhibitors including decoy carvers, painters, photographers, jewelers, potters, and other fine artisans, offering attendees the opportunity to admire and purchase handcrafted masterpieces. From traditional waterfowl decoys to stunning maritime-inspired artwork, the festival highlights the creative spirit of the region while supporting local and national artists. A limited number of exhibitor spaces are still available.
In addition to the wide array of exhibits, attendees can look forward to decoy and artist demonstrations and voting for their favorite exhibitor with Children’s Choice ribbons and People’s Choice awards for Best Carver and Best Artist. Voting ends on Saturday at 2pm. People’s Choice awards, along with Best Photograph of Chincoteague or Assateague and the coveted Curtis Merritt Award of Excellence, the highest award presented which is voted on by the exhibitors, will be announced at 3pm on Saturday.
The Wooden Egg Auction is always a favorite of festival attendees. Wooden eggs are meticulously hand carved, painted, or embellished by exhibitors and sold in the silent auction to the highest bidder. The auction ends at 3pm on Saturday, April 19 with pick up immediately following until 5pm.
“The Easter Decoy & Art Festival has been a staple of our island’s springtime celebrations for over four decades,” said Joanne Moore, Executive Director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a wonderful way to honor our island’s deep-rooted history in decoy carving and enjoy the creativity of artisans while welcoming guests to experience the beauty and charm of Chincoteague.”
This traditional event coincides with a seasonal break for many school systems and is the perfect time to plan a getaway to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and discover all the islands have to offer. Hike and bike the trails of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, search for new foals in the Chincoteague Pony herd, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the marshes, or stroll the beach on Assateague Island National Seashore beachcombing shells or to feel the salty breeze as the waves gently meet the shore. Indulge in fresh, local seafood, delectable desserts, or specialty sandwiches after exploring the area and visiting our eclectic galleries, boutiques, and shops.
To learn more about the 44th Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival, including a list of participating exhibitors and full event details, or to plan your spring getaway, visit ChincoteagueChamber.com, download the Chincoteague App, or contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at 757-336-6161. If you are interested in exhibiting your work, contact Moriah at [email protected]
