The Waterfowl Festival is urging early sign up for its Premiere Night Party on Thursday, November 11. The annual gala will open the Festival’s 40thyear festivities.

At Premiere Night, guests will enjoy “The Artful Feast,” a tasting tour of five cities’ signature cuisines at the Festival’s art galleries. They also have the first opportunity to view and purchase world-class paintings, sculpture and carvings, and participate in a $500 drawing.

The painting galleries have all been brought downtown this year. They will be featured at the Tidewater Inn’s Crystal Room and newly restored Gold Room, with the Masters Gallery showcased again at the Academy Art Museum.

To celebrate the Festival’s fortieth year, guests will be able to vote on the VIP Choice Award for their favorite painting among those selected for consideration by the artists at the Tidewater Inn Painting Galleries. Voting ballots will serve as entries in a drawing for a $500 gift certificate towards the purchase of any artwork in the two galleries.

Guests may stroll among the galleries along Easton’s colonial streets, which will be enhanced by special lighting this year, or enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides sponsored by Easton Main Street. Each gallery will serve as a stop on the tasting tour, featuring culinary specialties from around the country, paired with wine, beer and cocktails.
San Francisco’s Chinatown will be featured at the Tidewater Inn Painting Galleries.  New York’s Little Italy will be down the street at the Sculpture Pavilion. Guests can cross Harrison Street for Kansas City Barbecue at the Armory and then stroll over to the Christ Church Sculpture Gallery for Baltimore seafood. New Orleans French Quarter desserts will be served at the Academy Art Museum’s Masters and Sculpture Galleries.

“The art is outstanding and the food is fabulous,” said Premiere Night Chair Leslie Westbrook. “We had a wonderful response to last year’s Premiere Night, and we anticipate this year being even more popular for our fortieth-year celebration.”

While enjoying their tastings, guests have an advance opportunity to view and purchase the artwork before the Festival opens to the general public. This year’s Featured Master Artist, David Maass, will be on hand at the Masters Gallery, offering both original artwork and lower-priced giclée images.

The Premiere Night Party not only kicks off Festival weekend, but also raises funds for the Waterfowl Festival’s conservation mission. The Festival has invested more than $5 million in habitat restoration and environmental education since the event began in 1971.

“Our donors, art buyers and Corporate Partners have been extremely important to the success of our efforts for the community and for the environment,” said Festival President Ronald Flohr. “This year, especially, Premiere Night is an opportunity for us to thank everyone for forty years of support.”

Premiere Night tickets include various benefits throughout Festival weekend, depending on the level of the contribution. Those registering by October 1 will have their names included in this year’s special commemorative edition of the Waterfowl Festival Directory, the event’s program.

To attend Premiere Night or to make a donation, contact the Waterfowl Festival office at 410-822-4567 or visit its website, www.waterfowlfestival.org. The 2010 Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton November 12, 13 & 14.