While the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival and North Carolina Decoy Carving Championships showcase the talent and skills of decoy carvers and wildlife artists from not only the United States of America but also other countries, they are more than just a showcase for some of the finest artwork in the world.

The festival, one of Washington’s signature events, celebrates 20 years of existence next month when it comes to Washington for a three-day run, Feb. 6-8. And for the first time ever, the festival opens to the public on a Friday. In the past, it was open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays.

The festival is an economic boon to the city, bringing in exhibitors, vendors and contestants who spend money at local lodging establishments, restaurants and shops. That spending generates sales-tax revenue that benefits Washington and Beaufort County.

In 2006, a study estimated expenditures at the 2006 festival by visitors, competitors, exhibitors and the public was estimated at $163,000. With the festival growing since 2006, those expenditures have grown with the festival, with some tourism officials indicating that impact is now around the $300,000 range.

The festival also accomplishes something else.

The festival’s artwork helps tell the story of wildfowl such as ducks, geese and swans and other birds such as cardinals and snowy owls. That artwork helps inspire many people to help protect wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The decoy carvings explain a way of life that goes back centuries and provide evidence of the talents of the carvers who create such life-like carvings. The carvings help provide lessons in culture and biology, lessons beyond those taught in classrooms.

The festival, as with all good art, has both form and function. That’s why it’s been around for 20 years.