Looking at the Mudcat Festival schedule and wondering where to start? Well, if you can, see it all of course!
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to organize this four-day event, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
But with so much jam-packed across those four days, it’s understandable if you’re looking to pick and choose what sparks your interests most.
This year’s festival has a country western theme interweaved throughout.
The whole shebang will kick off with a new Country Concert & Vendor Market from 5-10 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 along Queen Street in the downtown core.
The street will be shut down for families to come listen to some free country jams, enjoy dinner from one of several food trucks or the nearby restaurants, and shop a variety of vendors.
“It’s going to be awesome!” said Chamber of Commerce President Marianne Kidd. “Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the concert. The concert will include Gary Rothwell and the band Redneck Revolution; both are local and will be doing mostly country.”
On Friday, the cowboys keep coming with a showing of Toy Story 4 at dusk (around 7 p.m.) in Central Park. Test out your best Woody impression, grab some popcorn, and continue to browse participating vendors.
The next day, any Toy Story fans should make their way to the Kids Zone in Central Park for a meet and greet at 1 p.m. with some of the characters. The Mudcat website promises “a day of wild-west fun and unforgettable memories” at this event, which also includes bouncy castles, a shooting range, and other games and activities from 12-4 p.m.
A highlight of the festival each year, this year’s parade on Saturday, June 8 will be decked out in all-things country as well. Kidd added that those watching are welcome to join in on the western fun: “We encourage people to dress country with hats and boots!”
And kids can finish off the weekend getting into the country spirit with a fishing derby on the river at Wingfield Park, beginning at 10 a.m. on June 9. Also at the park that day is a petting farm, RC car racing, and more.
Not the biggest country fan? That’s no problem for the Mudcat Festival.
Running the whole festival through, thrill seekers can find Townsend Amusements back in town nearby the bridge with “fun for the whole family – cotton candy, big slides, rides, and more!” Thursday to Saturday offers ticket purchases for rides, and Sunday offers Bracelet Day for unlimited rides at one valuable price.
Two dances will take place Friday evening. Kids in Grade 5-8 can head over to the Optimist Club to dance with their friends from 7-9 p.m. for just a $5 entry fee. Those 19+ meanwhile can dance the night away at the annual Haldimand Fire Station 9 Street Dance featuring the band Undercover; this opens at 7 p.m. with a $10 entry fee and $5 drinks available for purchase.
Saturday is the busiest day in town. Beginning at 11 a.m. is the fan-favourite car show. Kidd noted, “We are super excited about the Car Show this year as we are featuring the Rock ‘N’ Ray Michaels Road Show and then his band the Retro Rockers!”
The Bavarian Gardens offers another 19+ only space, open from 12-7 p.m. on Saturday. Kidd explained they wanted to keep things local, so the day will feature Detour, Levi Passmore (aka Leviathan), State 90, and Evermile. Tickets are $15 at the door, or head over to the website now and save $5.
Teens may be most excited for the return of CJ’s Skatepark at Lion’s Park from 12-4 p.m., featuring a best trick competition and free lesson after the demo.
At 3 p.m., head to the water in Wingfield Park where everyone can enjoy the Duck Races for a bit of silly, and colourful, competition.
Speaking of competition, there will be lots of bragging rights and prizes on the line Saturday. The Mudcat Games are open from 12-2 p.m., also at Wingfield Park. This includes the Bed Races, with teams required to bring their own four-wheeled bed to sprint down the street, and six-player-teams for a classic game of Tug of War.
Once you’re done watching these athletic feats, head over to Cedar Street where the third annual Strongman and Strongwoman competition begins at 2 p.m. with events like farmers walk/overhead press, car flip medley, and a truck pull.
So, where are you headed first?
