Legendary team to reunite for Mudcat Festival bed races over 40 years later
By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—Summer 2022 is a year of blockbuster revivals. On the big screen, Tom Cruise has returned to play his iconic character Maverick in a three-decades-later sequel to Top Gun, and this June, the Crusaders, a group of local champions who competed over 40 years ago in the legendary Mudcat Festival bed races, will rise up once again to face a new generation of four-post racers as the live event makes its return following two years of COVID-related cancellations.
The bed races were first seen at Dunnville’s flagship festival back in the 1970s as part of a series of competitive events that were a yearly highlight for attendees. Other events included tug of war, log saw, arm wrestling, an obstacle course, canoeing, boxing, and a greased pole climb.
DUNNVILLE—Shown with their championship trophy in June 1980 is (back row, l-r) Rod Ricker, Don Zynomirski, Ed Zynomirski, Paul Allen, (front row) Brian Ricker, John Wingfield, Paul Lymburner, and Bill Vanderstelt. Of those eight original members, five will be returning to compete in the event, including Don Zynomirski, Rod Ricker, Brian Ricker, Paul Allen, and Bill Vanderstelt.
Teams would compete in all events and winners were chosen based on the total accumulated points across the spread. Just over 40 years ago in June 1980, that title was taken by the Crusaders, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the five-member team running in the bed races that year.
“There was training and strategy, put together with drive and passion, which set us up for the win,” said former and returning Crusader Don Zynomirski. “We did not have super track star athletic ability, but each member had their strengths and when put together, it became a winning team.”
Zynomirski touched on the origins of the team, noting how the eight original members were formed from the youth group at First Baptist Church in Dunnville. When he heard that the bed races were returning this year as part of the grand revival of the Mudcat Festival, he knew there was no better time to call upon his former teammates.
“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat to make a 40-year return with the original bed and original members to see if the original teammates, the 1980 Championship Team, still had it?’ I brought it to a couple of the members, and they were as excited as I was.”
Of those eight original members, five will be returning to compete in the event, including Zynomirski, Rod Ricker, Brian Ricker, Paul Allen, and Bill Vanderstelt, “The other three have commitments, like staying alive,” joked Zynomirski.
“The team does reflect on that day, but never thought of re-entering 42 years later,” he added, noting that the decision was made to help try and make this year’s Mudcat Festival a little more special in celebration of its return. “We are excited to support the Mudcat Festival and helping it become the best yet.”
DUNNVILLE—The Crusaders are shown competing in the now defunct log-sawing competition at the Mudcat Festival in 1980.
It’s not just Zynomirski and the other Crusaders who need a little oil on the joints to get back into fighting shape, the original bed that the group used 40 years ago has seen better days.
“The bed will have to be reconstructed as it has been sitting in a scrap pile for 40 years with tires, bed springs, and steering mechanisms in serious need of repair,” said Zynomirski.
He added, “As for the training, everyone is on their own. We hope our teammates are in good enough shape to at least push the bed over the finish line without blowing a hamstring.”
We have faith, Crusaders. While a return to championship glory may ultimately elude them in the face of younger competition, Zynomirski said the group has a different goal in 2022: “Our goal for this year is to be the oldest members of the bed race and now in our 60s it just may be a goal accomplished…. We are looking to at least finish the race.”
False modesty? Come out and see for yourself if the Crusaders can muster some of that decades-old magic and pull off an upset for the ages.
The bed races, sponsored by the Jr Mudcats hockey team and Pazzo’s Pizza, will be held June 11 at Wingfield Park between 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. There will be three preliminary heats, with the winner of each competing in the finals for a Pazzo’s Pizza prize pack, Jr Mudcats merch and tickets, and most importantly, glory.
“We welcome all to attend this years’ Mudcat Festival,” concluded Zynomirski. “We’re back.”
