The Wings 'n Water Festival hosts a nationally recognized Carving Competition with a $5,000 first prize! The winner of the North America SHorebird Competition was Gilles Prud'homme from Ontario, Canada.

The 29th Annual Wings ‘n Water Festival, a celebration of the South Jersey seashore experience in art, culture, events and food will take place Sat. and Sun., Sept. 17 and 18.

This fun family festival, rated as the best special event in New Jersey, promotes appreciation for South Jersey’s coastal environment through art, nature and hands-on experiences.

Festival weekend begins with the Institute’s annual Benefit Auction and Party on Fri., Sept. 16. Guests will enjoy bountiful hors d’oeuvres and an open bar throughout the evening.

The event will feature a large Silent Auction and up to 50 Live Auction items including original art, vacations, and unique experiences.

Cheer on your favorite Philadelphia teams, spend some time on the Green and enjoy dinner with friends by scanning the Silent Auction where guests can place their bids on over 300 items!

Unable to attend, but love a certain item? Absentee bids are accepted and forms are available upon request. This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased by calling the Institute at 609-368-1211.

The Festival continues through the weekend featuring great art and a variety of popular returning exhibits and demonstrations. Visitors can take the trolley to the Avalon Community Hall to see nationally recognized exhibitors in Carving, Painting, Photography and plein air paintings.

St. Mary’s Church will be open for the Quilt Show where hundreds of homemade and antique quilts are on display. Join us at the Institute under the Big Top Tent for Nature’s Craft Market, where crafters display and sell handmade items including jewelry, art, pottery, clothing and more.

Make sure you plan to board The Skimmer for an entertaining and informative Back Bay Boat Cruise. This wildlife boat tour is accompanied with an experienced naturalist who will be able to point out fish, crustaceans, marine mammals, bird life and much more.

Join The Skimmer on Saturday and Sun., Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. and 18 at 9 a.m. for a bracing Champagne Breakfast Cruise. Guests of this cruise will be treated to champagne and breakfast treats paired with a beautiful early morning tour of the Salt Marsh.

Children receive special attention throughout the weekend with a full schedule of activities, including Build a Bird House, sponsored by Home Depot, face painting, live animal demonstrations, music and crafts.

Popular activities return including turtle releases, retriever demonstrations, seining and more. All exhibits and activities are family friendly and encourage hands-on fun!

Be sure to take a break and enjoy some delicious cuisine. Local area restaurants compete in the famous Chowder Contest at St. Mary’s Church.

Taste them all, and cast your vote on who should be named, “Chowder Champion” of 2011. The Big Top Tent at the Institute will also feature fresh seafood and delectable treats including pulled pork sandwiches, conch fritters, fried shrimp and roasted almonds.

Tickets for the Festival are on sale in advance at the Wetlands Institute, and can also be purchased at all locations during the Festival.

For more information, check www.wetlandsinstitute.org. For featured Auction items, event updates, and fun activity postings, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (wetlandsshnj).