When the final crowns were placed and the applause filled the room, something became very clear to everyone inside Calvary Pentecostal Church that evening:
The 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience was never just about winning a title.
It was about being seen.
It was about courage.
It was about stepping outside comfort zones, sharing pieces of yourself with a community, and walking away feeling stronger, more connected, and deeply appreciated.
For the women who participated, the evening became something far more meaningful than many expected.
Some arrived nervous. Some hadn’t stood on a stage in years. Some questioned whether they should even sign up at all. But by the end of the night, what they found was not pressure or competition — it was encouragement, friendship, laughter, support, and a room full of people cheering for them to succeed.
Backstage, there were hugs, helping hands, calming words, shared excitement, and the kind of conversations that often happen when women gather without judgment. Contestants helped one another with outfits, encouraged each other before going on stage, and celebrated every single moment together.
There was no sense that one woman’s success took away from another’s.
Instead, every title earned that evening felt like a celebration shared by the entire group.
And when the winners were announced, the room erupted with genuine excitement and emotion.
Celebrating the 2026 Titleholders
Ms. Mudcat Ambassador — Melissa Lloyd
Crowned as the 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador, Melissa Lloyd captured the heart of the evening in a way that deeply moved the audience.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Melissa stepped onto the stage with her guitar — performing publicly for the very first time without her father, who had passed away. What could have been a moment filled only with grief became something incredibly powerful instead: a tribute to love, courage, healing, and resilience.
As she played, the room became completely still. It was more than a performance. It was a daughter honouring someone she loved, while also showing her own children what it means to keep going, to face fear, and to believe that they can do hard things too.
Melissa’s connection to Dunnville was felt throughout the evening. Her love for her hometown roots, her authenticity, and her willingness to be vulnerable on stage reflected exactly what the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience was meant to celebrate.
Her crown represented far more than winning a title.
It represented strength.
It represented heart.
And it represented the spirit of a woman willing to stand in front of her community and say, “Even through loss, even through fear, I will still show up.”
That moment is one many people in the room will not soon forget.
Ms. Grand River — Kim Plante
Named the 2026 Ms. Grand River and runner-up in this year’s Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience, Kim Plante embodied something the Dunnville community already knows well:
She always shows up.
Recently recognized as Dunnville’s Citizen of the Year, Kim has become known for the countless ways she gives back to her community with heart, creativity, and quiet determination. Throughout the evening, she brought that same spirit to the stage — showcasing her artistic talent, her openness to new experiences, and her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone without hesitation.
What made Kim’s presence especially inspiring was not just what she accomplished on stage, but the strength behind it.
While health challenges may cause some people to slow down or step back, Kim continues to move forward with resilience and purpose. She continues to volunteer, participate, create, encourage others, and give everything she has to the community she loves.
There is something incredibly powerful about people who continue showing up, even when life is difficult.
Kim represents that kind of strength.
Her runner-up title was not simply recognition for one evening. It reflected years of commitment, compassion, and leadership within the community. And should the need ever arise, there is little doubt that Kim would proudly and confidently step forward to represent Dunnville with grace, heart, and unwavering community spirit.
Because that is simply who she is.
Ms. Photogenic — Deb Rollo
Awarded the title of 2026 Ms. Photogenic, Deb Rollo brought an energy to the stage that was impossible to ignore.
From the moment she appeared on screen during her fun and engaging video presentation, Deb had the audience completely captivated. Her confidence, humour, and natural ability to connect with people shined through effortlessly. At one point, audience members were snapping their fingers along with her, completely drawn into her personality and presence.
But what made Deb truly stand out was not just her comfort in front of the camera — it was her ability to engage people everywhere she goes.
Whether speaking on video, behind a microphone, or in a room full of people, Deb has a gift for making others listen, reflect, laugh, and feel empowered. She carries herself with warmth, wisdom, and authenticity, creating connection in a way that feels both natural and inspiring.
Throughout her career in the non-profit sector, Deb has dedicated herself to advocating for seniors and supporting others through meaningful community work. Her passion for helping organizations grow and make an impact continues today through her new business focused on grant writing — helping important causes and community initiatives secure the support they need to thrive.
Her experience, confidence, and heart were evident throughout the evening.
Deb reminded everyone that true presence is not just about how someone looks in a photograph.
It is about the energy they bring into a room.
The ability to make people feel seen.
The courage to speak with purpose.
And the kind of personality that leaves people smiling long after the conversation ends.
Ms. Talent — Loretta Ward
After dedicating more than 40 years of her life to nursing and caring for others, Loretta Ward took home the title of 2026 Ms. Talent with a showcase that left a lasting impression on the audience.
Through her powerful photography, Loretta shared more than images.
She shared perspective.
Her photographs beautifully captured the heart of Dunnville — the quiet moments, the natural beauty, the familiar places, and the small details many people pass by every day without truly seeing. Through her lens, the audience was reminded just how special this community really is.
What made her talent especially meaningful was the emotion behind it. Nursing is a profession rooted in compassion, observation, patience, and seeing people deeply — and in many ways, those same qualities were reflected in her photography.
Loretta’s work showed not only artistic ability, but also an appreciation for life, community, and human connection.
Her presentation reminded everyone in the room that talent does not always need to be loud to be powerful.
Sometimes talent is found in the ability to notice beauty where others may overlook it.
To pause long enough to capture a feeling.
To tell a story without saying a word.
Winning the Ms. Talent title was a fitting recognition for someone who has spent decades caring for others while quietly developing a gift that now allows her to share the beauty of Dunnville with the world around her.
Ms. Community — Jen Watson
Awarded the title of 2026 Ms. Community, Jen Watson represents exactly what community leadership looks like in action.
Not only does Jen proudly represent the Dunnville community — she is actively helping create stronger connections within it.
Through her initiative, She’s Hooked, Jen has encouraged and empowered women to step outside of their comfort zones, try something new, and experience the joy of fishing together. What started as an idea quickly became something much bigger: an opportunity for women to connect, learn, laugh, build confidence, and support one another in an environment that feels welcoming and inclusive.
In many ways, Jen’s work reflects the true meaning of community.
It is not simply about organizing activities.
It is about creating belonging.
It is about helping people feel included, capable, and connected.
Throughout the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience, Jen’s passion for people and community spirit shined brightly. Her warmth, encouragement, and genuine love for Dunnville were evident both on and off the stage.
What makes leaders like Jen so impactful is that they do not wait for community to happen around them.
They build it.
One conversation.
One invitation.
One experience at a time.
Her Ms. Community title recognized not only what she has already created through She’s Hooked, but also the kind of ripple effect she continues to have on the people around her — inspiring women to show up, try new things, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Ms. People’s Choice — Ethel Pollak
Chosen by her fellow participants and event organizers as the 2026 Ms. People’s Choice, Ethel Pollak reminded everyone that some of the greatest gifts a person can have are not found in a performance — but in the way they make people feel.
While Ethel may describe herself as shy on stage, anyone who knows her understands that she completely comes alive when surrounded by people, music, laughter, and connection.
Her true talent is bringing people together.
During the evening, Ethel shared a video presentation that perfectly captured her spirit — scenes of her dancing with strangers in the street, encouraging people to join in at the Mudcat bowling alley, laughing with others, and creating joy wherever she went. It was impossible to watch without smiling.
Because that is what Ethel does.
She creates moments.
She breaks down walls between people.
She turns strangers into friends.
She makes people feel welcome.
Ethel is a connector in the purest sense of the word.
Although she does not officially live in Dunnville, her love for the town shines brightly in everything she does. Anyone who has spent time around her has likely heard her passionately talking about the community, the people, the events, and the spirit that makes Dunnville special.
And somewhere along the way, Dunnville quietly claimed her right back.
Her People’s Choice title felt especially fitting because it reflected exactly what the audience and organizers experienced throughout the event — joy, warmth, authenticity, and connection.
Quite honestly, it is hard to imagine Dunnville without Ethel dancing her way through it, encouraging others to join her along the way.
More Than a Stage Experience
For many contestants, the greatest reward was not the title itself.
It was the experience.
It was hearing applause after doing something scary.
It was realizing they were capable of more than they thought.
It was making friendships and memories they never expected.
It was feeling celebrated by their community.
There were emotional moments throughout the evening — proud family members watching from the audience, contestants wiping away tears after heartfelt speeches, laughter shared backstage, and standing ovations that reminded participants just how supported they truly were.
The evening became a reminder that confidence does not come from perfection. It comes from showing up anyway.
And perhaps that is why so many people left the event talking not only about the winners, but about the feeling in the room.
The 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience created something rare: an environment where women could celebrate themselves and each other at the same time.
As the Dunnville Mudcat Festival celebrates its 50th Anniversary, this event added something incredibly special to the year’s celebrations — a reminder that community traditions are not just about history.
They are about people.
The stories shared.
The courage shown.
The memories created.
And for the women who walked across that stage this year, the experience became something they will carry with them long after the crowns, photos, and applause.
With Gratitude
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience such a meaningful and memorable evening.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Contact North, for believing in the return of this special community tradition and helping bring the evening to life. We also gratefully recognize our crown and title sponsors, whose support helped celebrate each of our 2026 titleholders: Klear Kustoms Classic Car Restoration, Trophy Plus, Dunnville Craft Emporium, Dee Anns, The Radiance Room, Pheonix Innovations, and OTB Marketing.
A sincere thank you to our judges for the care, thoughtfulness, encouragement, and time they dedicated to the experience. Your support helped create an atmosphere that felt welcoming, uplifting, and empowering for every participant. (Crystall Pogson, Miss Fire Station for Inman Road Station 3 1983, Ann Cormier, Miss Mudcat 1977, Rhonda Huffman Oxley, Miss Mudcat 1978, and Sarah Keizer, North Niagara Queen of the Furrow)
To our organizers, (Marianne Kidd & Carissa Ready), photographer & Co-MC (John Paul Salguiero) volunteers, backstage helpers, decorators (Teressa Joubert, Hunter Blackbird, Christian Doan) and Helia Chrnock for greeting each guest, and every person who quietly stepped in to help throughout the evening — thank you. Events like this are built through countless acts of kindness and teamwork behind the scenes, and your efforts did not go unnoticed.
Most importantly, thank you to the incredible women who stepped onto the stage and shared their hearts with the community. Your courage, personality, laughter, stories, and spirit made this experience unforgettable.
You reminded all of us what community truly looks like.
The legacy continues because of women like you.
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