May Greetings From The Ward Museum

From day one at the Ward Museum, “Worlds” (as everyone here colloquially calls the competition) is the most talked about, and the most anticipated event of the year. I’ve heard plenty of stories about what the competition is like, but I’ve also been told it’s something you just have to experience. Words can only paint so much of the picture.

When the competition had to be cancelled due to health concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I was disappointed that I wasn’t actually going to be able to experience my first Worlds after all. Although the event wasn’t going to happen the way it had the previous 49 years, we resolved to still do something. From that resolve, the idea of a virtual Worlds party came to life.

On Saturday, April 25, when Worlds should have been in full swing, we hosted a virtual get-together on Zoom where 100 or so people popped in throughout the day to share stories of past competitions, say hello to friends they haven’t seen since last year, and build even more excitement for next year’s 50^th anniversary competition.

This was my incredible first introduction to the Ward World Championship. I didn’t get to walk the floors of the Ocean City Convention Center and admire countless pieces of exquisite craftsmanship, but I did get to experience the love and passion people have for the competition. What I experienced may have been better than experiencing the actual competition. I learned just how much the event and the people mean to everyone.

I listened to the likes of Vic Kirkman share that he hasn’t missed a year since first attending the Ward World Championship in 1990, and that he has collected a commemorative pin each year. I heard the Living Legend Pat Godin explain how the carvings he saw at Worlds 40 years ago still inspire him today. Ronnie Zint shared a cherished memory of having dinner with the Brunet family and Pat Godin one year, and I witnessed the generational affect of Worlds as Josh Guge talked of his father, Living Legend recipient Bob Guge, and how he’s passing on the carving tradition to his daughter, who was there with him, and is looking forward to entering a piece in the youth competition.

My first Worlds was unconventional, and not at all what I expected, but it helped me to see just how special and meaningful the competition is; and I am left even more excited to experience next year’s event.