The 43rd Annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show will be held on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28. The show honors the traditions and tradition bearers of South Jersey’s heritage from decoy carvers and boat builders to basket makers and musicians to clammers, oystermen, and fishermen.
For craftsman, the Decorative Fish Contest and Working Fish Decoy Contest will be held on Saturday at noon and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. respectively. Contest rules can be found on the Ocean County Parks website at oceancountyparks.org/frmSpecialEvents.
The Decorative Fish Contest includes freshwater and saltwater fish, while the Working Fish Decoy Contest is for traditional, functional Ice Fishing Decoys and will be judged on their swimming as well as how they are carved. First place winners are awarded plaques with 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mentions receiving ribbons.
Entering contests is free of charge and after judging has been completed, it is acceptable for any entry to be put up for sale by the maker at the judging area. Maker’s name and price should be placed on the entry, and all entries must be completed within one year of the contest.
This annual event at Tip Seaman County Park and The Tuckerton Seaport provides two days of opportunity for hunting and fishing supply vendors to sell their wares, craftsman and artists to sell their work, contests, demonstrations, food vendors, and educational displays and programs. Admission is free and the event is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to become a vendor, please call or email Wells Mills County Park at 609-971-3085 or email Amanda Truhan at atruhan@co.ocean.nj.us.
For more details go to oceancountyparks.org.
