The Ward World Championship begins Friday and will continue through the weekend as a hybrid event.

This year, guests can watch the competition both in-person and online. Judging will take place across two days (Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22).

The “floating” portion, where decoys are graded for their water performance will be held outside on the Ward Museum’s lawn, with designated spectating areas for people to watch both the judges and birds in action.

There will be free admission and fun kids crafts all weekend long.

Those unable to attend in person can follow along from home as portions of the judging and competition will be streamed live on the Ward Museum’s Facebook page.

With judging for different categories happening simultaneously throughout the weekend, event organizers are not able to provide complete coverage for viewers, but have chosen some fan-favorite categories to highlight.

Carver roundtable

On Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. the museum will air a conversation with regional decoy makers. This panel will feature both seasoned and younger carvers from around the Mid-Atlantic, talking about how they began their craft, tips and tricks for carvers of all levels, and insight into how decoys are a part of the rich heritage of this area.

Panelists include Grayson Chesser, Russell Fish, Zach Jester, Ross Smoker, Pam Morris and Arthur Leonard.

The roundtable is free to attend.

Living Legends Cocktail Hour

Following the Decoy Carver Roundtable, from 5 to 7 p.m. Ward Museum fans are invited to celebrate past and present Living Legends.

This free event will include light hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, silent auction, and display of the winning pieces from the Ward World Championship.

The Ward Foundation has honored three individuals as Living Legends each year -- since 2013 -- at the Ward World Championship.

These individuals are longtime advocates for wildfowl art and the Ward Museum; they are generous in spirit and their commitment to teaching others and passing on their knowledge, skills, and talent; and they create an impact on the field of wildfowl art and/or the annual Ward World Championship.

Since the pandemic began, the annual celebration to honor these legends has been on hiatus. But, this year,  the Living Legends will be celebrated with a special spotlight on the 2022-2023 cohort: Jeff Bounds of Salisbury, Jeff Rechin of Amissville, Va., and Ross Smoker of Selinsgrove, Pa.