Welcome to the 18th Annual Eastern Shore of Virginia Birding and Wildlife Festival

Eastern Shore of Virginia Festivals, Inc. and its partners enthusiastically invite you to our 18th Annual Festival. 2010 marks a new era for our 18-year-old event. It is presented by our newly formed non-profit corporation, comprised of business and professional leaders who believe strongly in the mission of this wonderful celebration. Charter members include the Town of Cape Charles, Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Charles Business Association, Bay Creek Resort and Club, Prudential Towne Realty and several private individuals. I would also like to thank our dedicated volunteer committee, without whom we could not be providing this weekend's activities.

In addition to the support of the Corporation, we welcome back our past partners, SunTrust Banks, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Virginia Coastal Program, U. S. Fish and Wildlife, and the Kiptopeke State Park. Their generosity and expertise are critical to the success of the Festival. We also take this opportunity to congratulate the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce for its past leadership and to thank their staff for their help in our transition period.

Once again, we are happy to be in Cape Charles and to have her sister city Onancock as our host for Thursday activities. Onancock has many wonderful events to open this exciting weekend, including an evening presentation by Geroge Budd at the North Street Playhouse.

As we move to Cape Charles, we have yet another exciting opening for Friday night. Greg Butcher, Director of Bird Conservation for the National Audubon Society, will give our keynote address, “The State of Virginia Birds.” Greg also will touch briefly on his recent work in the Gulf. (Check the “Schedule” section of this website for more details.) As in the past, our exhibit and vending area, located in the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Department building, will be open Friday, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. until noon. There is no charge for visiting the Central Arena and nearby workshops. In addition, there will be a special Passport Program, also free of charge, all day Saturday for our young people.
 
One of the most exciting additions this year is this website, which facilitates registration and gives our participants the latest in Festival news. We urge you to review it fully, and we welcome your comments if you have suggestions on how we can make it even more user-friendly.

We hope you will join us for our “new beginning” – and for another great chance for a wonderful birding and wildlife watching experience. We look forward to seeing you in Onancock and Cape Charles!


Joyce Fooks Holland, Chair
Eastern Shore Birding & Wildlife Festival