"This festival is known for 60 years of rich waterfowl history," said Dick Whitwam, executive director of the festival. "This is a great opportunity for adults and kids to experience the outdoors."

Located at the mouth of the Huron River at the boundary of Wayne and Monroe counties and Lake Erie, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is the largest freshwater marsh restoration project 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 Pointe Mouillee State Game Area.

The weekend includes the 60th 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.

Two premier events are the Midwest Decoy Contest -- with blue ribbons and prize money -- and the wildlife art show. These events showcase some of North America's finest decoys, bird carvers, and wildlife artists.

The Pointe Mouillee Outdoor Trading Post is the largest venue of its kind, and the premier place for all your outdoor needs. Buy, sell, or swap your goods with outdoors people from around the Midwest. The "Greatest Outdoor Trading Post" features over 200 exhibitors selling and trading all kinds of outdoor fishing, hunting, and camping equipment and supplies. Vendors interested in participating should contact Don Tarry at (734) 241-7041. Trading post hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Kids' games and activities include a BB gun shoot, sponsored by Waterfowl U.S.A.; an archery shoot; face painting; clowns; and waterfowl-related games. Chainsaw-carving, fly-tying, and small-boat building are among the daily demonstrations. Dog retriever events are slated for both days.

The Midwest Goose Calling Championship will be held Saturday at noon and is sponsored by Cabela's and Avery Inc. The Midwest Duck Calling Championship will be held Sunday at noon and is also sponsored by Cabela's. Winners of the Duck Calling Championship are eligible for the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Cabela's will host duck and goose hunting seminars and demonstrations both days. The annual decoy auction will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Decoy tent.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their retriever and participate in the Huron River "Jump Dogs," which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Or if you are looking for a new companion, check out "Puppy Alley."

Waterfowl seminars will be on Saturday by Michigan State Goose Calling Champion Todd Aloffs, Quacker Attacker Custom Calls, and 2004 and 2005 Michigan State Duck Calling Champion Paul Hinnman from GK Calls. There will also be open layout shooting for juniors and seniors on Saturday.

This year's festival is dedicated to Betty Odine of Riverview and Sam Gay of Brownstown. Food for the event is supplied by Ray's Prime Meats of Taylor.

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.