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The Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival will return to Hatteras Island on February 24-25, 2023.

The festival kicks off Friday evening with the delicious “Fin, Feather and Bourbon” event. Small plates featuring seafood and waterfowl, presented with exquisite artistry, are accompanied by select bourbons, wines and beer. Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance. A silent auction of art and other items from vendors will be offered.

All events on Saturday, Feb. 25 are free and open to the public. These events include a wide variety of displays, workshops, vendors and activities.

Two of the main events are returning in 2023.

– Hawk Manor Falconry makes an exciting return to the main stage. Attendees will have an interactive experience with birds of prey, learn the history of falconry and enjoy flight demonstrations and a simulated hunt. These amazing birds and handlers wowed the crowd in the past and the encore performance is not to be missed.

– Guided painting of the 2023 featured waterfowl, the mallard, will be led by local artist Trish Dempsey. Open to all festival goers on a first-come, first-serve basis, participants will create a painting of this year’s featured bird.

The festival’s Second Annual Duck Calling Competition is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 in the main event tent at the Hatteras Civic Center. Two divisions are arranged: Junior for ages 16 and under and Open to anyone who wants to compete.

This 2023 festival will feature some of previous favorite exhibits such as the Cape Hatteras Secondary School’s Art Show and Competition and local decoy exhibits as well as historical tours and bird walks.

The festival is also expanding with some new ideas and events such as a gun dog demonstration, bird identification workshop and craft and game activities for the youngest visitors.

Anyone interested in being a part of the festival this year can find the application at hatterasonmymind.com/HVCA/WaterfowlFestival.

Organizers are also looking for vendors of arts, crafts and items pertinent to the theme of the festival, and also anyone interested in displaying or presenting educational information about waterfowl and area resources. Email hatterasevents@yahoo.com for information.

To purchase tickets to the “Fin, Feather and Bourbon” event on Friday evening, go to hatterasonmymind.com/HVCA/WaterfowlFestival. Click on Spirit of Hatteras Events and look for Waterfowl Festival.

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