Dunnville Mudcat Festival Parade
A 50-Year Tradition of Community Pride
One of the most anticipated moments of the Dunnville Mudcat Festival weekend is the Mudcat Festival Parade. For generations, families have lined the streets to watch colourful floats, classic vehicles, community groups, bands, and local organizations roll through town in a celebration of Dunnville’s spirit and creativity.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mudcat Festival, this year’s parade will bring an extra dose of nostalgia with our “Back to the 70s” theme. Expect groovy decorations, retro costumes, classic cars, and plenty of hometown pride as participants showcase their creativity and community spirit.
Whether you are watching from the sidewalk or participating with a float, the Mudcat Parade is a moment where the entire community comes together.
Parade Highlights
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Community floats from local businesses and organizations
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Classic and antique vehicles
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Marching groups and performers
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Music, costumes, and plenty of 70s flair
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Thousands of spectators lining the streets
This family-friendly tradition brings together visitors and residents alike and continues to be one of the most photographed and talked-about events of the festival.
Bands Joining Us…
- Band — proudly sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 Dunnville
- Militaires Brass and Percussion Ensemble — sponsored by Pet Valu and Business Float Registration Fees
- Optimist Alumni Band (Brass & Percussion Ensemble) — sponsored by Pet Valu and Business Float Registration Fees
- North Star Youth Drum Band — sponsored by Pet Valu and Business Float Registration Fees
We would also love to bring in Silver Leaves—a Scout house band—for this year’s lineup. The cost to have them join us is $1,200. If a business or organization would like to sponsor this performance, we will ensure your signage is proudly displayed alongside the entertainment in recognition of your support.
And a call to our local groups—dance clubs, gymnastics teams, school clubs… we need you! Come be part of the energy and help us bring even more life to the parade.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Parade Route: at George/Broad, down Broad St to Tamarac, down Tamarac to Queen, up Queen to Lock, ending at George.
DATE: Saturday June 13th, 2026
TIME: 10:30 Start.
CONTEST CATAGORIES:
Best BACK TO THE 70’S Theme
Best Not-for-Profit
Best Band
Best Business
Best Sports Team
Best Animal Group or Business
Being the Mudcat Festival Parade Ambassador is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to be part of an event that brings joy, excitement, and community spirit to so many people. I love seeing the enthusiasm and support our community shows each year, whether it’s through participating in the parade, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply coming out to celebrate together.
The most challenging part is helping people understand the amount of planning, logistics, time, and funding that goes into organizing a festival of this size. Many people don’t realize the countless volunteer hours invested behind the scenes to make every event happen. Despite all the work involved, festivals like Mudcat are often not about making money. They are built by people who care deeply about their community and are committed to creating traditions, memories, and experiences that bring people together year after year.
Tamara Lovegrove, Parade Ambassador
PRESENTED BY…
Join the Mudcat Festival Parade
The streets of Dunnville come alive during the Mudcat Festival Parade — and we want you to be part of it.
Businesses, community groups, service clubs, teams, and organizations are invited to enter floats, decorated vehicles, walking groups, and performers in this year’s parade.
With thousands of spectators lining the route, it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your group while celebrating the community that makes Dunnville special.
This year’s Back to the 70s theme means big hair, groovy music, retro colours, and lots of creativity.
Gather your team, decorate your float, and join us for one of the most exciting moments of the Mudcat Festival.
Saturday June 13th 2026
Dunnville ON - 50th Mudcat Festival ParadeBack to the 70’s Parade Ideas
To celebrate the 50th Dunnville Mudcat Festival, this year’s parade theme is Back to the 70’s. We invite businesses, community groups, and individuals to get creative and bring a little retro fun to the streets of Dunnville.
Whether you’re building a float, decorating a vehicle, or walking in the parade, the 70s offer endless inspiration—from disco and classic rock to colourful fashion and groovy pop culture.
Here are some fun ideas to get you started.
Float Ideas
Floats are a great way for businesses, organizations, and clubs to showcase creativity and community spirit.
Groovy 70s themes could include:
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Disco dance floor with a spinning disco ball
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A retro roller rink with skaters in bright outfits
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Classic 70s band stage with guitars and big speakers
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Flower power float with peace signs and tie-dye decorations
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A vintage 70s living room with shag carpet and lava lamps
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A classic road trip scene with wood-panel station wagons
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A retro diner featuring burgers, milkshakes, and jukebox music
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Classic cars or trucks decorated with 70s colours and music
Bright colours, peace signs, vinyl records, and funky patterns are all great ways to bring the decade to life.
Walking Group Ideas
You don’t need a float to join the parade. Walking groups can be just as fun and creative.
Ideas for parade walkers:
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Disco dancers showing off classic moves
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A group dressed as famous 70s musicians
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Hippies spreading peace and love
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Roller skaters or skateboarders in retro gear
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Dance teams performing to classic 70s hits
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Fitness groups doing retro aerobics
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Kids dressed in tie-dye and bell-bottoms
Bring some music, wear your grooviest outfit, and have fun entertaining the crowd.
Costume Inspiration
The 70s were known for bold fashion and big personality.
Think:
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Bell-bottom jeans
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Fringe jackets
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Platform shoes
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Tie-dye shirts
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Afros or feathered hairstyles
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Headbands and round sunglasses
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Disco sparkle and sequins
The more colourful and fun, the better.
Let Your Creativity Shine
The Mudcat Festival Parade is all about community spirit, creativity, and fun. Whether your entry is simple or elaborate, the most important thing is joining in and celebrating Dunnville together.
So grab your friends, decorate your float, dust off your disco moves, and help us make the 50th Mudcat Festival Parade a groovy celebration to remember.
50 Years of Mudcat Parade Memories
For five decades, the Mudcat Festival Parade has brought the streets of Dunnville to life with colour, music, and community pride. Browse through photos from past parades and relive the floats, costumes, and unforgettable moments that have made this tradition so special.
Thank you to our presenting Sponsors…
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce extends our sincere thanks to Pet Valu Dunnville, the Presenting Sponsor of the Mudcat Festival Parade once again this year. Their continued support helps make this beloved community tradition possible, bringing thousands of residents and visitors together to celebrate the spirit of Dunnville during the Mudcat Festival.
We are grateful for their commitment to our community and for helping us keep this long-standing festival tradition alive.
Pet Valu Dunnville is a locally owned and operated neighbourhood pet supply store dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives. Offering a wide selection of high-quality pet foods, treats, toys, and accessories, the knowledgeable team at Pet Valu takes pride in providing friendly service and expert advice to pet owners throughout the community. Beyond the store, Pet Valu is also deeply committed to supporting local initiatives, events, and animal welfare organizations, making them a valued and active member of the Dunnville community.
Thank you to our Entertainment Sponsors…
If you would like to participate in the parade but are unable to attend in person or do not have the resources to enter a float this year, we invite you to consider becoming an Entertainment Sponsor.
As an Entertainment Sponsor, your business banner will be proudly displayed alongside the band or dance team you are supporting, allowing you to be part of the celebration while helping bring music, energy, and excitement to the parade.
A heartfelt thank you to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 Dunnville for once again sponsoring their band. Your continued support brings incredible energy and tradition to the festival, and we’re so grateful for your commitment to our community.
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.