The annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival returns Sept. 9-10 at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Activities are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Located at the mouth of the Huron River separating Wayne and Monroe counties at Lake Erie, the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is one of the largest freshwater marsh restoration projects in North America and one of Michigan's premier waterfowl hunting destinations. All proceeds from the annual festival benefit wetland restorations and wildlife habitat improvements at the game area.

The weekend includes the 59th Michigan Duck Hunters' Tournament, sponsored by Cabela's, where hunters compete in sneak boat shooting, layout boat shooting and marsh shooting events. Punt boat and rowing races also are included in the river events. The Midwest Decoy Contest includes decoy and bird carvers from Canada and the U.S. competing for blue ribbons and prize money. The Wildlife Art Show hosts wildlife artists and suppliers from all corners of the U.S. and Canada. The "Greatest Outdoor Trading Post" features more than 200 exhibitors' booths -- selling and trading all kinds of outdoor fishing, hunting and camping equipment and supplies. Vendors interested in participating should contact Don Tarry at (734) 848-4826.

Kids' games and activities include a BB gun shoot sponsored by Crossman, an archery shoot, face painting, clowns and waterfowl-related games. There also will be daily demonstrations in chainsaw carving, fly-tying and small-boat building. Dog retriever events are slated for both days.

The Midwest Goose Calling Championship is Saturday and the Midwest Duck Calling Championship is Sunday. Both events begin at noon and are sponsored by Cabela's. Winners of the duck calling championship are eligible for the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Cabela's also will host duck hunting and goose hunting seminars and demonstrations all weekend, and the annual auction will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the decoy tent. Food for this year's festival is being supplied by Kola's Food Factory of Riverview.

The Huron River "Jump Dog" competition, open to everyone, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. There also will be waterfowl seminars on Saturday by World Goose Calling Champion Shawn Stahl, 2000 Michigan State Goose Calling Champion George Lynch, 2004 and 2005 Michigan State Duck Calling Champion Paul Hinnman, Lock Stock & Barrell owner Lou Tisch and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Waterfowl and Wetland Specialist Faye McNew.

This year's festival is dedicated to Richard Ciacelli Sr., of Monroe, a dedicated volunteer, avid waterfowler and strong supporter of Pointe Mouillee, who passed away in 2005.

For additional information, contact Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Dick Whitwam at (734) 379-4292 or visit their Web site at www.miwaterfowlfest.org.