36 years ago as the traditional St. Joseph’s House
of Providence Picnic ended in the Valley Town of Dundas, the
division of the Hamilton District Chamber of Commerce and the
Dundas Jaycees began looking for a focus around which to
build a community festival.
Dundas, already internationally recognized for the Cacti
produced by the local Ben Veldhuis Cactus Greenhouses, the
group received Ben’s approval of the name, “Cactus Festival”.
The first festival lasted 9 days, and began with a parade. It
featured sports events, a film night, a casino night, a dance at
the community center, and midway rides in Dundas driving
park Over the years, it grew and in 1979, the downtown
merchants agreed to hold their sidewalk sale as part 
of the
Festival. Other craft vendors and exhibitors were invited too.
The festival moved to King St. and the reputation of the festival
grew, year by year. For the sum of $1.00, the Jaycees sold the
rights to the Town. Since 1979, the festival has been tirelessly
organized by local volunteers; The Cactus Festival Committee.
Occurring every 3rd weekend in August, ‘Cactus’ attracts
visitors from across the nation and is the unofficial ‘homecoming’
event for any and all who have lived in the community.
Continuing to evolve and expand, the FREE family fun Festival
runs for 3 days and includes 3 entertainment stages, event
zones and over 100 street vendors.
This August, the Festival celebrates 36 years and will once
again be the signature event.
Parade
Thursday night at 7 p.m., the Dundas Cactus Festival kicks off
with the much-loved Cactus Festival Parade! For more info contact:
Donna Graham
Fax: 905-628-1268
E-mail: parade@dundascactusparade.com
Musical Entertainment
The 2011 Cactus Festival will feature some of the best bands
you'll see all summer long. Each stage offers something
different. Visit our website for the full schedule and line-up
Spring 2011!
Cactus Family Fun Zone Expands!
This year’s Cactus Family Fun Zone promises to be the signature
family Event Area for the Festival as we bring all of the
Festival’s family entertainment to a new location on King St!
The Fun Zone, located on King St. between Market and Church
offers a one stop shop for family entertainment. Here’s what to
expect:
Cactus Fun Zone Stage
This year, expansion features a dedicated stage hosting
children’s events acts, entertainment and artists!
In The ZONE!
Fortino’s 7th Baby Cactus Contest
The Baby Cactus Contest is an opportunity for young families
with babies 3-18 months to meet, have some fun, and win
some great prizes. Every baby entered is recognized and
receives an Official ‘Cactus Tumbleweed’ Certificate!
What’s happening at
The Dundas Cactus Festival 2011?
Cactus Red Carpet Meet And Greet
Kids line up to meet their favourite animated/ cartoon characters
for hugs, ‘high fives’ and pictures in star-studded, red
carpet style!
THE REPTILE MAN educational and entertaining live action
animal show experience where all family members get involved
by asking & answering questions and handling animals.
FREE INFLATABLE INTERACTIVES
Kids 4 – 12 enjoy sponsored inflatables. A real crowd pleaser!
CACTUS EXPRESS
Climb aboard this interactive train as it makes it way through
the Festival!
FREE FACE PAINTING, Saturday August 20th
OUTDOOR MOVIE, Saturday August 20th
Recent Release Feature Film Presentation.
VIDEO ‘GAMER’ CHALLENGE
Ready to Dance Dance Revolution or be a Guitar Hero Legend?
Show us your stuff on an outdoor challenge screen, new to the
Festival this year!
Returning Festival Features
Robertson’s Midway
Fabulous amusement rides all weekend long!
Art in the Alley
All forms of original art, including paintings, sculpture, beadwork,
jewellery, silk work, pottery, woodwork and metal work.
© 2011 Dundas Cactus Festival Association.
All rights reserved.
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