Before venturing out to the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival in early February, Beaufort County residents should take a trip past the county line into Hyde County for its Mattamuskeet Decoy and Waterfowl Festival.

On Jan. 16-17, participants will come out to Mattamuskeet High School in Swan Quarter for a variety of activities, including a gunning decoy competition, a retriever competition and demonstration and a tour through the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

It’s the seventh year for this event, and according to Hyde County Waterfowl Association President Brad Gurganus, it will offer something for everyone. Not to mention that organizers have kept the ticket prices affordable — less than $10.

Hyde County has a rich history of waterfowl hunting, and that is something it shares with Beaufort County. Just as “waterfowling” grew as a pastime and passion along the Pamlico River, so it grew around Lake Mattamuskeet.

In both counties, it is a way of life for many and has also given birth to waterfowl artistry through decoy carvings and paintings.

From Washington, it takes about an hour to drive to Swan Quarter, but the long drive will be quickly outweighed by the daylong activities at the festival.

Waterfowling holds an important part of Beaufort County’s history, so any opportunity to celebrate it should be welcomed, whether its within county lines or not.

Besides, it’s important for Beaufort County to offer its support for a neighbor, and come February, there will likely be some Hyde County residents on the Washington waterfront returning the favor at the Wildlife Arts Festival.

The Mattamuskeet festival is truly an unexpected find on “The Road Less Traveled,” as some call Hyde County, and with announcements posted as far west as Pactolus, the festival is sure to be worth the drive.