By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—Craving a footlong corn dog and a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl? You’re in luck. Following two summers off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce is busy making preparations for the return of the Mudcat Festival from June 9-12, 2022.
The festival has been a popular topic of conversation over the past couple of years, with many in the community taking to social media to dig for details about its return. Chamber President Marianne Kidd is very excited over the news and said, “The Mudcat Festival is back! The Mudcat committee is working hard to get all the activities planned.”
Kidd gave us a preview of what attendees can look forward to this year: “This year, the annual Mudcat Festival will focus on past traditions. You can expect to see the Townsend Midway, our famous car show, parade, fireworks, and entertainment for all ages.”
The Dunnville Farmer’s Market will be hosting vendors throughout the weekend. Saturday will be the big day, with the car show, parade, and fireworks scheduled, in addition to the Bavarian gardens, while children’s activities will be hosted at Central Park where the younger set can look forward to a variety of bouncy castles and other fun games to enjoy with their family. Sunday will see a church service hosted at the bandstand in the park.
The Mudcat Festival has deep roots in the community, with this year marking its 46th anniversary. Kidd said, “The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this event, which brings in over 50,000 people to our community.”
She added that the event wouldn’t be anywhere near the success it is without the team of dedicated volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations who pitch in.
“There is no doubt that the Dunnville Mudcat Festival is becoming more popular every year,” said Kidd. “We are looking for more volunteers to help with the festival. Please reach out to the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce if you are able to help or would like to be involved on our committee for this year’s festival.”
Kidd touched on the behind-the-scenes process that led to the festival making its grand return, and how the forced time off due to COVID has created some challenges for the organizers.
“The uncertain restrictions at times, due to COVID, has definitely brought some challenges with regards to organizing this year’s festival. The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce has carefully considered moving forward after reflecting on the needs of our community to bring back some normalcy for all families. We have had less time to plan this year’s festival, but we will be working to bring back all the events and activities which are possible.”
Some events, including the firefighters’ Friday night street dance and Thursday’s Blues Festival, are still under consideration, with Kidd saying that final decisions on all events will be made by mid-April.
While the organizers will continue to monitor for any changes to guidance related to public health measures, they are intent on keeping the festival open to all who wish to attend.
“We will be considering all precautions throughout the festival as appropriate,” explained Kidd. “However, we will not be requiring vaccines, negative tests, or masks for attendance. All events will be taking place outdoors, so we will encourage physical distancing and potential capacity restrictions on activities. For example, the bouncy castles for the kids, or the Bavarian Garden will need to be considered.”
She summed up her thoughts with an invitation for everyone across the county to consider coming out to enjoy the festival: “If you are looking to enjoy a full weekend either alone, accompanied by family, friends, or as a couple, this is the perfect festival for you. It has everything you’re looking for and more.”
See you in line at the midway this June!
