Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience 2026
A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition — Celebrating Confidence, Community & You
Join us for a memorable evening as we crown the 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador and celebrate the remarkable women who have stepped forward with courage, confidence, and a commitment to community.
This modern ambassador experience shines a light on empowerment, connection, and support—where women lift one another up, adjust each other’s crowns, and proudly represent Dunnville with heart.
Featuring nominees of all ages, the evening will include talent, on-stage questions, and plenty of good old-fashioned fun. Take a walk down memory lane as we revive this cherished tradition with a fresh, inspiring twist. Refreshments will be served—come be part of the celebration.
Meet the Nominees...
Behind every smile is a story, a journey, and a reason they chose to step forward. These women represent courage, connection, and community in their own unique ways. Click through to meet them, hear their stories, and discover what makes each of them truly remarkable.
Deb Rollo
Some leaders don’t just guide—they quietly change the direction of the people around them.
For Deb Rollo, the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience is about connection in its truest form—building new friendships, sharing talents, and proving that growth, contribution, and impact have nothing to do with age. It’s about stepping forward, continuing to evolve, and showing others that there is always more to give and more to experience. READ MORE
Melissa Lloyd
Some people don’t just belong to a place—they carry it with them, in everything they do.
For Melissa Lloyd, being part of the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience is about something deeply rooted—home. Dunnville isn’t just where she lives; it’s where her story began, where her memories were shaped, and where her heart continues to return. Stepping into this role is not about recognition, but about representation—being a voice for a community she believes in wholeheartedly and helping others see what she has always known to be true: that Dunnville is filled with strength, pride, and heart. READ MORE
Jen Watson
Where strength meets still water, confidence has a way of rising.
For Jen Watson, the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience isn’t just about stepping onto a stage—it’s about stepping into something bigger than herself. It’s about community, connection, and carrying forward a tradition that has meant so much to Dunnville, while helping shape what it can become next.
At her core, Jen is someone who believes that strong communities don’t just happen—they’re built, intentionally, by people who show up. And she does just that. READ MORE
Kim Plante
Courage doesn’t always arrive with applause—sometimes, it shows up quietly, stands its ground, and changes everything.
For Kim Plante, stepping into the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience is deeply personal. It’s not just about participating in a long-standing community tradition—it’s about reclaiming something she once lost: her confidence. It’s about standing tall in who she is, inside and out, and embracing a new chapter filled with connection, growth, and the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. READ MORE
Loretta Ward
Some people leave a mark quietly—through years of care, kindness, and showing up when it matters most.
For Loretta Ward, being part of the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience is rooted in connection—friendship, camaraderie, and a deep sense of community. It’s about women coming together to support, encourage, and empower one another, while celebrating the simple but powerful act of showing up.
And showing up is something Loretta has done her entire life. READ MORE
Ethel (Kelly) Pollak
Some people choose a town—others become its biggest champions.
For Ethel (Kelly) Pollak, the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience is about joy, connection, and celebrating a place she feels deeply connected to. While she lives just outside of Dunnville, it’s a community she returns to again and again—often two to three times a week—showing up, volunteering, and fully embracing everything it has to offer. In many ways, Dunnville feels like a second home.
Ask her about Dunnville, and she won’t just tell you it’s a great place—she’ll tell you why you should visit, why it matters, and why it’s worth experiencing for yourself. Her love for the community is undeniable—and contagious.
PRESENTED BY…
Contact North is proud to sponsor the crown for the Miss Mudcat Ambassador pageant as a way of celebrating and uplifting women in our community. Through this support, we are investing in opportunities that build confidence, encourage leadership, and empower women to step forward and shine. We believe that when women are supported through community connection and access to education online, they are equipped to grow, lead, and create lasting impact.
Get Ready, Dunnville …
We’re bringing back a beloved tradition for the 50th Anniversary of the Mudcat Festival — with a fun, modern twist.
This isn’t your typical pageant…
It’s a women’s experience. A chance to step outside your comfort zone. An experience highlighting confidence, history and community.
Whether you enter on your own or with friends, this is about celebrating YOU and what makes Dunnville special.
How to Participate
You can join in two ways:
1. Register Yourself
Ready to jump in? Secure your spot by completing the registration form and submitting your entry.
2. Nominate Someone
Know someone who would be perfect for this experience?
Submit a nomination — we’ll reach out and invite them to register.
Note: Nominations do not guarantee entry. All participants must complete their own registration and pay the entry fee.
What to Expect
- 70s-Themed Professional Photo Shoot (included – April 26th)
- Evening Gown Presentation
- Talent Showcase (2–3 minutes — fun, creative, and totally YOU, or do it with your Friends!)
- Can be shown as video, example Barrel Racing
- Ambassador Q&A (light, engaging, community-focused)
The Role
The selected Ms. Mudcat Ambassador will represent Dunnville throughout the year at:
- Community events
- Mudcat Festival activities
- Parade appearances
- Local promotions
We’re looking for someone who brings energy, positivity, and true Dunnville spirit.
This is for ALL women 18+
Enter solo
Enter with friends
No experience needed
Who Should Enter?
This is for everyday women in our community — just like you.
The one who’s always cheering others on
The one who’s been wanting to try something new
The one who says “I could never do that”… but secretly wants to
The friend who brings the fun wherever she goes
No experience needed. No “pageant background” required.
Just bring your personality, your confidence (or willingness to find it), and your Dunnville pride.
Enter solo… or grab your friends and make it a night to remember.
Entry Fee
Includes:
- Full participation in the experience
- 70s-themed professional photo shoot
- One 8×10 printed photo
Spots Are Limited
To keep the experience fun, relaxed, and personal, space is limited.
Don’t wait — grab your spot and be part of something special.
Judging & Scoring
Each participant will be scored across all areas of the experience.
Each category will have its own winner
Overall scores will determine the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador
How It Works
Participants will be judged in the following areas:
- Evening Introduction & presentation (5 points)
- Talent Showcase (5 points)
- Ambassador Q&A (5 points)
- Photogenic (Photo Shoot) (5 points)
- Peoples Choice (1 point)
Each category is scored individually by judges.
The highest total combined score will be crowned:
Ms. Mudcat Ambassador 2026
IMPORTANT DATES
- Photo Shoot Day: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (1pm-4pm)
- Competition Night: May 2, 2026 (Evening)
- Mudcat Festival Weekend: June 12–14, 2026
Participants must be available for all dates.
TITLES INCLUDING
- Ms. Mudcat Ambassador
- Ms. Grand River – Runner Up
- Ms. Photogenic (From the Photoshoot Session)
- Ms. Talent
- Ms. Community (Ambassador Q&A)
- Ms. People’s Choice (May 2nd evening, most votes win, $1.00 per vote fundraiser)
ENTRY FEE
$30 includes: one 8×10 printed photo. (Fundraising for Festival Fireworks)
Legacy of Ms. Mudcat
For decades, the Ms. Mudcat tradition has celebrated the spirit, confidence, and community pride of women in Dunnville. This gallery is a tribute to those who stepped forward, shared their personality, and became part of Mudcat history. Each photo represents a moment in time — and the women who helped shape this tradition.
Would you like to be part of bringing this legacy back?
The return of Ms. Mudcat is more than an event — it’s a celebration of the women who shape our community.
We are currently welcoming sponsors for the Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience 2026 — a signature event celebrating confidence, community, and 50 years of Mudcat Festival history.
This is a great fit for businesses that:
- Support women and community initiatives
- Want strong local visibility
- Value meaningful, feel-good brand alignment
📲 Text 289-407-1685 to explore sponsorship opportunities.
Stay Connected to Mudcat
The Mudcat Festival is always evolving with new events, entertainment, and community activities. Join our newsletter to receive updates, announcements, and festival highlights so you can plan your visit and be part of the excitement.