The Great Mud Duck Race
Adopt a duck, cheer it on, and watch the Grand River turn yellow as Rotary’s beloved Mudcat Festival race returns.
The Mud Duck Race, hosted by the Rotary Club of Dunnville, is one of the most fun and colourful traditions of the Mudcat Festival. Hundreds of bright yellow ducks are released into the Grand River for a lively race downstream, creating a cheerful spectacle that draws crowds to the riverbanks each year. Community members and visitors can adopt a duck for a chance to win prizes while supporting Rotary’s ongoing community initiatives. It’s a simple, playful event that captures the spirit of the festival—friends gathering along the river, cheering on their ducks, and enjoying a moment of lighthearted small-town fun.
LOCATION: Wingfield Park
DATE: Suturday June 13th, 2026
TIME: 3pm
TICKETS: $20
BUY YOUR TICKETS: Jay Summers Garade, Dunnville Veterinary Clinic, Grand River Crossfit, Art Service, Manual Medicine
PRESENTED BY…
A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary International for their continued support of our community. The Duck Races at the Mudcat Festival are a long-standing tradition that not only bring fun and excitement to the weekend, but also help support the festival as a whole and the meaningful causes they champion each year.
Mud Duck Races Through the Years
Take a look back at some of the unforgettable moments from Mud Duck Races past. From crowds lining the banks of the Grand River to the colorful wave of racing ducks making their way downstream, this beloved Rotary Club tradition has brought smiles, cheers, and plenty of friendly competition to the Mudcat Festival year after year. These photos capture the fun, community spirit, and quirky charm that make the Mud Duck Race a fan-favourite festival event.
Thank you to our host of the Mud Duck Race…
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce and the Mudcat Festival team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Rotary Club of Dunnville for sponsoring and hosting the beloved Mud Duck Race. In addition to supporting the Mudcat Festival, proceeds from the Duck Race help fund Rotary’s community initiatives and charitable giving. In recent years, funds raised have supported important organizations such as the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation in 2024 and the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice in 2025.
The Rotary Club of Dunnville is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to strengthening our community through service, fundraising, and local leadership. Their efforts continue to make a meaningful difference both locally and across the region, and we are grateful for their partnership in helping keep this fun Mudcat Festival tradition alive.
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