On Friday, Sept. 25, world-renowned wildlife artist and Watertown native Josh Spies will appear at the Watertown, SD Post Office, 405 E. Kemp Ave., for a special commemorative postmark event.

Spies will appear from 9-11 a.m. He won the 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Competition in Bloomington, MN. His painting Long-Tailed Duck with Decoy, was selected from more than 270 entries and is featured on the 2009-10 Federal Duck Stamp, which went on sale in late July. Federal Duck Stamp sales generate about $25 million each year to fund wetland habitat acquisition for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

There will also be a coloring contest for grade school students (featuring a drawing by Spies) and the entries will be on display in the Post Office lobby. A conservation officer from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks will be on hand to speak about waterfowl conservation. “With the Opening Day of waterfowl season the next day, this is a great event for stamp collectors, waterfowl enthusiasts and Josh Spies fans alike,” says Watertown Postmaster Linda Schmit.

This special postmark (also featuring Spies artwork) is a must-have. Can’t make it to the Watertown Post Office on Sept. 25? The postmark is also available for 30 days after by mail. To request by mail, affix First-Class postage to an envelope or postcard of your choice, using any stamps that were issued before Sept. 25. Place in a larger envelope (along with a large self-addressed stamped envelope for the return trip) and send to:

POSTMASTER
MIGRATORY BIRD HOMETOWN ARTIST STATION
405 E KEMP AVE
WATERTOWN SD 57201-9998

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