Decoy collectors and carvers from throughout the mid-Atlantic region are awaiting the return of the annual Annapolis Decoy Show on Sunday, June 11. Last year’s event marked the first time a decoy show had been held in Annapolis in a quarter century. Public attendance was stronger than expected and participation included some of the nation’s leading decoy and sporting art dealers and decorated decoy carvers. The Annapolis area is conveniently located to decoy collectors, carvers, artists, nature lovers, hunters and history buffs up and down the Mid-Atlantic coast and organizers expect another strong turnout this year.

Dealers and collectors from across the Chesapeake Bay region, Delaware and Pennsylvania will descend upon the Annapolis Elks Lodge, located at 2 Pythian Drive in Edgewater, MD 21037. The Elks’ Lodge is located just off Solomons Island Road from Route 50. For map and detailed directions, visit elks622.com.

The Potomac Decoy Collectors Association, a group of more than 100 members from Maryland, Virginia and several others states, is proud once again to sponsor this special event celebrating the art and history of the American waterfowl decoy. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. Plenty of free parking is available.

The public is invited to bring in their old decoys for free identification and appraisals provided by the Potomac Decoy Collectors Association and Decoy magazine, the premier national publication for decoy collectors. At last year’s show, decoys worth over $1,000 each were identified and appraised.

Attendees can view, buy, sell and trade classic antique duck decoys, hunting and fishing items, paintings, prints and sporting art, books and other vintage collectible accessories from more than 30 dealers. Carvings from $3 up to $30,000 will be offered for sale. Several world-class contemporary decoy carvers from Maryland will also be exhibiting and attendees can purchase their works. Visitors also should not miss the special display of historic Annapolis and Anne Arundel County decoys.

Again this year, information on the major Chesapeake Bay area decoy and maritime museums will be provided by the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, the Upper Bay Museum, the Ward Museum and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Attendees can also learn about local waterfowl conservation efforts from Ducks Unlimited.