Highlights of the 20th Annual Duckboat Show and Waterfowl Festival
by John Hazlett

By the time most of you are reading this, you are probably winding down from another great Long Island duck season. Some of you may be gearing up to give the ducks one last opportunity to make us miss. Or still others may be taking advantage of the late goose season (already in progress on the North Shore). Also, lets not forget our NY Giants getting ready for Superbowl 35.

Or if you are like me and really plan ahead, it’s time to report on the last South Shore Waterfowlers Duck Boat Show and Waterfowl Festival. We conducted the 20th Annual Show this year on Sunday, November 5, 2000. As this year’s Show co-chairmen (Curt Matzinger, John Hazlett, and Erik Tirpak) we had our work cut out for us from the start. Cedar Beach Marina was unavailable at the last minute this year due to construction of a new pavilion, so we had to use Gilgo Beach Marina instead.

The different location actually worked with the events, vendor displays, and duck boats all being set up in an organized fashion. The tough part was getting the word out to people that would show up and expect the Show to be at Cedar Beach. Signs were put up on Ocean Parkway, but the strong wind blew them over more than once. Even with these adverse conditions, attendance was respectable this year.

The award for miles traveled this year goes out to a husband and wife gunning duo from Buffalo that entered their canoe in the show. After hearing about our show in a newspaper dedicated to different types of shows, they traveled all the way and left with the 1st Place Award in the Fresh Water Category, and a promise to be back next year. Other 1st Place boat winners: Layout, Steve Sanford; Floating Blind, Bill Ramsey; Two-Man Grassboat, Carl Trezza; One-Man Grassboat and Best-in-Show Winner, Glenn Gebel.

The Sporting Clays were a hit this year. SSWA member Anthony Caggiano was able to donate his time and one automatic clay thrower to the cause. Next year (providing that we are back at Cedar Beach), Anthony promises to bring two throwers and have a greater turnout of shooters. First place was taken by Glenn Gebel (name sound familiar?)

Carvers brought forth some beautiful pieces. There were numerous species entered for each of the three categories. Looking at the quality of the entries, it shows we have some truly exceptional carvers in our own backyard.

One thing against us this year was the strong northeast wind. The wind was so strong that the Gunning Buddies event had to be canceled. However, a few of us still chose to put our dogs in the water just to get them some exercise. Gotta love them Chessie’s!

Considering all of the things that went against us, I think that SSWA did very well this year. A heartfelt Thanks" to all of you that helped out this year. Your work was appreciated. The goal of the co-chairmen for next year’s show is to get the word out sooner. Hopefully, we will be back at Cedar Beach Marina. If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve the Show, come to the next meeting and let Curt, Erik, or me know.