rap #194 09/22/09
27th ANNUAL DECOY & GUNNING SHOW BRINGS ARTISANS AND BAYMEN TO TUCKERTON THIS WEEKEND
A FALL TRADITION returns this weekend when artisans and baymen gather at the 27th Annual Ocean County Decoy &
Gunning Show in Tuckerton.
More than 300 waterfowling exhibitors and vendors will fill Tip Seaman County Park and the Tuckerton Seaport on
Saturday and Sunday September 26 and 27.
“This is a family-friendly event that not only promises a great time for everyone, but helps keep the culture of
Ocean County and Barnegat Bay alive for future generations,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director John C. Bartlett Jr.
The Decoy & Gunning Show, which runs from 7 am to 5 pm both days, is sponsored by the Ocean County Board of
Chosen Freeholders.
Bartlett said the exhibitors this year range from decoy carvers, boat builders and wildlife artists to
sportsmen’s supplies, antiques and food.
“There really is something for everyone,” he said.
Admission is free and shuttle buses will run from both locations to parking lots at Pinelands Regional High
School on Nugentown Road and Freedom Fields County Park on Route 539 from 8:30 am to 5 pm both days.
Contests are always a staple of the show, and this year, nearly 40 competitions are slated for everyone from
children to professional carvers.
Skeetshooting from a Sneakbox, duck calling, model boats, photography, archery, Sneakbox rowing race and rubber
duck races are all on tap for the weekend, Bartlett said.
“A Highlight of the show are the many decoy carving and painting competitions,” Bartlett said. “This is a great
way to preserve these traditional waterfowling crafts and introduce the skills to younger artists.”
Awards will be presented at a 3:30 pm ceremony on Sunday on stage at Tip Seaman Park.
Seminars ranging from “Getting Your Pet into Show Business” to black smithing are also scheduled throughout the
weekend.
Among the bands scheduled to perform are: Basement Musicians Guild, Gary Struncius & Debbie Lawton, Jim Murphy &
The Pine Barons and The Woodlot Howlers.
Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to Tourism, said the Decoy & Gunning Show attracts both exhibitors and visitors from
around the country.
“Ocean County has a rich and historic baymen’s culture that the show brings to life each year,” he said. “Here
you can learn about the past and have a great time doing it.”
More information on the show is available at the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation Website
www.co.ocean.nj.us/Parks/decoyshow.html.
