With mild temperatures and plenty of rain, humans and birds flocked to the refuge. The refuge had approximately 25,000 visitors during the event which ran from November 22 through November 30. Approximately 1,000 vehicles traversed the Service Road and were rewarded with glimpses of waterfowl, shorebirds, and ponies. Wildlife Loop was also opened to vehicles during the entire period of the celebration. A large flock of snow geese attracted the most attention on this trail.

A myriad of interpretive programs were also available to visitors. Activities included a variety of walks - Habitat History, Island Nightlife, and Marsh Marvels. Auditorium programs included: a NASA presentation, "Tracking Bird Migration from Space;" storyteller Frank Williams recalling Assateague Village; demonstrations by local artists Jenny Somers, Nancy West, and Reggie Birch; a duck calling demonstration by Arthur Leonard; and the internationally acclaimed play, "A sense of Wonder," performed by Kaiulani Lee and based on the life of Rachel Carson.

This event emphasized one of the refuge's main missions - providing habitat for migrating birds. Since every season has a showcase of bird life, you don't have to wait for next year's celebration to come and enjoy the wildlife of Assateague Island.