Each year, the Waterfowl Festival brings people together to celebrate what makes the Eastern Shore special—its heritage.  

On November 14, Fello joined the 54th annual festival to host the Community Impact Breakfast in partnership with the Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism and the Waterfowl Festival. 

Held annually on the festival’s opening morning, the Community Impact Breakfast brings together business leaders, local officials, and community members to celebrate the start of one of Maryland’s beloved cultural traditions.  

Fello Brings Leaders Together 

On Friday, nearly 120 people gathered for a morning of conversation about how conservation and cultural celebration fuel economic development and strengthen community well-being in Talbot County and beyond. 

For Fello, events like the Waterfowl Festival are an opportunity to build space for meaningful conversations about inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and all Marylanders in our communities.  

“Events like the Waterfowl Festival remind us that community isn’t built in isolation,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “Community is created when we come together as community leaders, learn from each other, and envision better futures together that benefit everyone.” 

Fello has proudly sponsored the Community Impact Breakfast for nearly five years because the conversations community leaders have at this event are meaningful and impactful.  

Guests heard from an array of speakers about the future possibilities of economic growth and sustainability in the region, including Steven A. Connelly, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture; Karina Stonesifer, Director, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife & Heritage Services; Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival; Cassandra Vanhooser, Director, Talbot County Economic Development & Tourism; and Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. 

These conversations matter because they bring together the leaders who make change possible in our communities.  

Our neighborhoods, towns, and regions depend on collaboration, shared purpose, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to belong and succeed. 

“The Waterfowl Festival and Fello share the same goal of creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in their community,” said Jonathon. “As Fello looks to the future of developing Easton Crossing and Silo Court in Easton, conversations about sustainability and creating community are critical, and they’re happening here at Waterfowl.” 

Celebrating What Brings Us Together 

Events like the Waterfowl Festival strengthen every part of community life. Each year, the Waterfowl Festival generates economic impact that sustains local businesses, preserves and celebrates regional heritage, and creates opportunities for people to connect across different experiences.  

This year, over the three days of the festival, 25,000 visitors will explore the work of 350 artists and vendors. Since its founding, the Waterfowl Festival has contributed $5.7 million to conservation efforts. 

Events like this fuel what makes communities great: families discover new traditions, artists sharing their craft, and neighbors coming together around what connects us. 

Most importantly, they remind us that belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intention, partnership, and commitment. 

That’s why Fello continues to invest in this event and others like it. Because when we create spaces where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong, we build the kind of community where everyone can thrive.