DUNNVILLE—Thousands of people celebrated Dunnville during the 50th anniversary Mudcat Festival from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“The 50th anniversary was a huge undertaking, but it was also a really special reminder of what makes Dunnville so unique,” said Marianne Kidd, Festival Organizer. “Every part of the weekend was made possible by … people who simply care about this town. Even when the rain showed up, the spirit of Mudcat came through loud and clear.”
The big, busy, community-filled weekend included a little bit of everything – music, cars, fireworks, food trucks, vendors, pets, fishing, strongmen, baseball, a parade, a scavenger hunt, and more.
JP Salgueiro, Car Show coordinator, said, “We couldn’t have fit another car in.”
Music on the Grand also drew a large crowd, while the Mark Haines Memorial Strongman Competition was another major highlight.
“The energy around the strength events was amazing,” said Angela Brooks, strength events coorindator. “Adding arm wrestling brought in even more excitement, and the athletes put on a great show for the crowd. The new Overall Champion Belt is something we’re really proud of, and it will become a lasting part of the competition going forward.”
DUNNVILLE—The 50th Mudcat Festival was a showcase of talents. Sonya Romanowski demonstrated the proper way to hoist weights from a dead position on the ground. 
DUNNVILLE—The Cowan family, Aimesie, 6, mom Brooke, and Jace, 3, was eager to take part in the Mudcat Movie Night. 
DUNNVILLE—Elizabeth and Carlo Catarino hail from Caledonia, but their vehicle – a 1973 T! Combo VW van – came all the way from Brazil. 
DUNNVILLE—Edgewater resident Michael McGovern and his sister Joanne Van Ravenswaal keeping cool in the shade. 
DUNNVILLE—Rachel Schmalz from the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation with her son Chase. 
DUNNVILLE—Ms Mudcat Melissa Lloyd spreading some love while travelling in the Saturday morning parade. 
DUNNVILLE—Ridgeway resident Ethan Khun, 8, holding one of the many ducks from the Rotary Mud Duck Race, which sold 658 tickets. 
DUNNVILLE—New this year to the strength competitions was an arm-wrestling challenge. Above, Mike (left) was up against Dustin. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead. 
DUNNVILLE—Andrew Wilson was the only person to complete the challenge of lifting a 200 pound sand bag, carrying it 25 feet, dumping it over a bar into a 150 pound sled, dragging it back 40 feet to a car, and then fully rolling the car. 
DUNNVILLE—Maybe the furthest distance travelled to see the Mudcat Festival was done by 8-month-old Ellie-Ann Frost; she and her mother Hailey travelled from the Yukon to visit grandma Christine Webb.
The Kids Fishing Derby and the Muddy Slow-Pitch Tournament both had strong participation but were impacted by changing weather. As many participants joked afterward, “Mother Nature won this year.”
The fireworks were another unforgettable part of the weekend, with set up made possible by Wes Ricker of Rock Bottom Fishing Charters. Dunnville Chamber President Rebecca Booth called setting off the fireworks “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
There were several fundraising efforts connected to the festival. The Optimist Club’s 50/50 Draw raised $617, with winner Jay Summers generously donating his winnings back to support community initiatives. The Rotary Club Mud Duck Race sold 658 tickets, equating to about $8,700 raised after prizes and expenses.
Fireworks fundraising also continued, with $365 collected from spectators, along with support from several local businesses and organizations. Top donations included $5,000 from Tim Hortons, $2,500 from the River Rats, $1,000 from the Fireman’s Street Dance, and $1,000 from Hauser’s Pharmacy as part of its overall $10,000 contribution to the festival.
Festival organizers extend their sincere thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, businesses, community groups, entertainers, vendors, food trucks, participants, and attendees who helped make the 50th anniversary Dunnville Mudcat Festival such a memorable celebration.
Rotary Club Mud Duck Race Winners
Renzo Marson – $2,000
Cheryl Taylor – $1,000
Lisa Taylor – $500
Toni James – $300
Minor Bros – $200
Window Decorating Contest Winners
1st – The Fitness Den
2nd – Dunnville Chiropratics
3rd – Passmores Diner
Parade Awards
Best Band: North Star Youth Drum Band
Best Not-for-Profit: Dunnville Horticultural Society
Best Business: New Amsterdam Pub
Best 1970s Theme: Grand Erie Home Hardware & Building Centre
Strongman Competition Winners
Overall Champion: Andrew Wilson (the only person to flip the car)
Novice Women: 1st Julie Young, 2nd Ava Lahay, 3rd Sarah House
Novice Men: 1st Mike Marbina, 2nd Austin Whitter, 3rd David Moore
Pro Women: 1st Sonya Romanowski, 2nd Laurie McDougal
Pro Men: 1st Andrew Wilson, 2nd Matt Gibson, 3rd Liam Harrison
Arm Wrestling Winners
Womens Right Arm: 1. Braely PB, 2. Shelena R, 3. Sukanya Duggal
Men’s Right Lightweight: 1st Ethan Quinn, 2nd Colm Hendrich, 3rd Nathan Pavao
Men’s Right Heavyweight: 1st Austin Whittard, 2nd James Raddick, 3rd Mike Quinn
Men’s Left Lightweight: 1st Ethan Quinn, 2nd Colm Hendrich, 3rd Nathan Pavao
Men’s Left Heavyweight: 1st Austin Whittard, 2nd Mike Quinn
