Join us for this years Kids Fishing Derby hosted by the 49th annual Dunnville Mudcat Festival!
Ready, Set… Roll!
Get ready for one of the most entertaining events of the entire Mudcat Festival — the Bed Races! Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, you won’t want to miss this high-energy showdown of creativity, teamwork, and old-fashioned fun. We’re accepting only 8 teams this year — so lock in your spot before it’s gone!
Location:
WINGFIELD PARK
Date:
Saturday June 14th, 2025
Time:
12pm -2pm
Prizes:
🏆 A Pazzo’s Pizza Prize Pack
🎽 Jr. Mudcats Merch
🎟️ Games Tickets
💰 And their Registration Fee Returned!
Teams of five race their hand-crafted, wheeled beds down the street in a bracket-style competition for glory, prizes, and serious bragging rights. Costumes and themed bed designs are strongly encouraged, and the crowd always loves a team with style and spirit!
Fun Fact: Bed races have a long tradition of combining wacky fun with community spirit — the earliest known bed race dates back to 1965 in Knaresborough, England, where teams raced beds over a 2.4-mile course, including crossing a river! Since then, towns around the world have adopted the idea, turning it into a crowd-pleasing event that blends speed with silly.
Want to be part of the action?
✅ Register your team and build your bed
👀 Or come watch the madness unfold and cheer on your favourites!
This is small-town fun at its best — and one of the Mudcat Festival’s most unforgettable moments!
Bed Race Rules & Guidelines
Teams & Race Format
Each team must have 5 participants per heat
(Each team may have up to 6 players – each team is guaranteed 2 heats)
The race will consist of 4 qualifying heats, with 2 teams per heat
The bottom 4 teams will race for positions 5–8
The top 4 teams will race for positions 1–4
The Winners of the Final Heat will be crowned the
2024 Mudcat Bed Race Champions and will receive:
🏆 A Pazzo’s Pizza Prize Pack
🎽 Jr. Mudcats Merch
🎟️ Games Tickets
💰 And their Registration Fee Returned!
🛠️ The Bed Requirements
Teams must bring their own bed to race.
Beds must have 4 wheels.
A standard four-post bed frame is required.
No car or ATV tires – only bike tires or Caistor wheels are allowed.
A mattress is optional — most beds use custom wheels/axles instead.
Beds can include driver seats and steering wheels — encouraged!
All beds must be inspected and approved before racing.
Beds should be decorated in a fun team theme — show off your creativity!
Need a Hand? If your team needs help welding or building your bed, reach out — Let us know – we can assist!
Need Inspiration? We can provide photos of pasts beds.
Would you like to Volunteer?
Whether you want to help out at the always-exciting Bed Races or lend a hand at another part of the festival, we’d love to have you on board! Volunteers are the heart of our event — helping with everything from setup and logistics to cheering on teams and keeping things running smoothly. If you’re looking for a fun way to get involved in the community, make new connections, and be part of the action, this is your chance!
Let us know your availability and interests, and we’ll find the perfect spot for you.
Lots of Great Prizes!!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
We invite everyone to join us in expressing appreciation to our sponsors by following them on social media and, even better, reaching out to extend personal thanks. Together, we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and the power of community support. Thank you for being the backbone of our event!
A big thank you to the Mudcat Jr’s for their incredible support and for hosting one of the most anticipated events of the festival each year! Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and dedication to our community bring so much energy and spirit to the Mudcat Festival. Whether they’re organizing activities, cheering on teams, or helping behind the scenes, the Mudcat Jr’s play a key role in making this event a success. We’re so grateful for their continued involvement and the pride they bring to Dunnville year after year!
– Follow on Facebook
– Visit their website
A huge thank you to Pazzo’s Pizza for their continued support of the Mudcat Festival! As a proud local business and longtime festival sponsor, Pazzo’s Pizza plays a big role in helping us bring the fun to life year after year. From fueling our Bed Race winners with delicious prize packs to supporting community-driven events, their generosity and commitment to Dunnville never go unnoticed. We’re so grateful to have them as part of the Mudcat family!
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled and honored to once again spearhead the organization of the 49th annual Mudcat Festival, a beloved tradition that celebrates our vibrant community and rich heritage. With the unwavering support and enthusiastic participation of the Dunnville community, we are able to create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
This longstanding festival not only showcases the unique charm of our town but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among all who call Dunnville home. As we prepare for another year of exciting events and cherished memories, we extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributes their time, resources, and passion to make the Mudcat Festival a resounding success. Together with Thrive.
Want to learn more? Get in touch!
DUNNVILLE MUDCAT FESTIVAL 