He is CEO and owner of National Chimney, a manufacturer and distributor serving construction, chimney, skylight and renewable energy industries across North America. During his tenure, the company expanded manufacturing and customer service operations while emphasizing workplace culture and long-term growth.

Before entering business, Bibeau served in the United States Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces,
participating in maritime interdiction and tactical operations. After military service, he worked overseas as
a government contractor in Southeast Asia. Bibeau is also the author of Back to Bulletproof: A
Warrior’s Tactical Guide to Success and host of the #EverydayGSD podcast. Darin and his wife Johnica reside on the Riverwalk/New River and actively support the mission of Riverwalk.

A delicious spread of food and cocktails, enhanced by the unique space, provided opportunity for both meaningful networking and relaxed socialization.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 9, 2026) — Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale invites dog lovers and their four-legged companions to the 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis™, taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Esplanade Park (400 SW 2nd Street) along the scenic New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This beloved community tradition celebrates Riverwalk’s four-legged residents and the humans who love them with an afternoon filled with canine-themed fun, entertainment and opportunities to support local pet rescues. The free, family-friendly event welcomes guests to bring their pups or simply stop by to enjoy the festivities.

Highlights of the event include the crowd-favorite Peanut Butter Eating Contest, the ever-popular Doggie Fashion Show, pet-themed vendors offering treats and accessories, and a silent auction and raffle featuring prizes for dogs and dog lovers alike.

In addition to the entertainment, the event places a strong focus on pet rescue and adoption, with local shelters and rescue organizations on site connecting dogs in need with loving homes. The afternoon provides an opportunity for the community to meet adoptable pets and learn more about the organizations dedicated to helping them.

Rescues participating this year include: We Care More Pet Rescue, UFAR Animals Rescue, Humane Society of Broward County, Abandoned Pet Rescue, Everglades Angel Dog Rescue, Good Karma Pet Rescue and Suncoast Basset Rescue.

Guests interested in participating in the Peanut Butter Eating Contest or Doggie Fashion Show may pre-register by emailing Events@GoRiverwalk.com, with day-of registration also available at the Riverwalk tent at the northeast entrance of Esplanade Park.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is able to continue delivering free admission events and programming to the community thanks to the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including: Tito’s Handmade Vodka/Vodka for Dog People, Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers, Morningstar Storage, S. Mark Graphics, and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor participation, visit www.goriverwalk.com/mutts or email Events@GoRiverwalk.com.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District. Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in Go Riverwalk Magazine.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 19, 2026) — Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale invites dog lovers and their four-legged companions to the 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis™, taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Esplanade Park (400 SW 2nd Street) along the scenic New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This beloved tradition fosters community connection in the Riverwalk District by bringing our four-legged residents and their human companions together with local businesses and rescues. Guests can enjoy canine-themed vendors and entertainment at this free, family-friendly event, whether attending with their well-behaved pups or simply joining in the festivities.

Our entertainment schedule will be as follows:

3:30 – Peanut Butter Eating Contest – Dogs will be competing in heats with other dogs of similar size, and should gather by the stage early to be grouped.

4:00 – Doggie Fashion Show – Awards will be handed out for: Congeniality, Doggie Look-alike, Fashionista, Most Photogenic, and Best Overall.

To sign up for these events email Events@GoRiverwalk.com or look for the Riverwalk Tent on Saturday in the northeast corner of the park to sign up in-person.

In addition to the entertainment, the event places a strong focus on pet rescue and adoption, with local shelters and rescue organizations on site connecting dogs in need with loving homes. The afternoon provides an opportunity for the community to meet adoptable pets and learn more about the organizations dedicated to helping them.

Rescues participating this year include:

·        We Care More Animal Rescue
·        UFAR Animals Rescue
·        Humane Society of Broward County
·        Abandoned Pet Rescue
·        Everglades Angels Dog Rescue
·        Good Karma Pet Rescue
·        Suncoast Basset Rescue

Raffle items donated by our generous sponsors and vendors will be on display at the Riverwalk tent, where tickets can be purchased.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is able to offer free admission events and community programming in part through the support of its sponsors.

The 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis™ is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka/Vodka for Dog People, Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers, Morningstar Storage, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For more information, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com/Mutts or email Events@GoRiverwalk.com.

Fort Lauderdale, FL — March 19, 2026 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale has again been nominated for USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Riverwalk. Voting is open now and runs through Monday, April 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Community members are encouraged to vote once per day to help Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale secure the top spot. In 2025, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s first time being nominated, the park placed #7. Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk has it all – amazing residential buildings, businesses large and small, the Arts and Entertainment District and the Las Olas shopping and dining corridor. The downtown Riverwalk District is a livable, walk-able neighborhood, and one of the premier places to live, work and play in South Florida, with continued relocation of businesses and residents from within the region and throughout the United States. Centered in a growing district buoyed by expanding residential, nightlife and dining options, including two Fort Lauderdale restaurants to make the Michelin Guide in it’s inaugural year in Broward County, and in 2026 by the opening of the reimagined Huizenga Park, Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk is the place to be for residents and visitors alike. “We’re thrilled for Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Park to be recognized again for its value as a critical part of our vibrant and growing community,” says Riverwalk president and CEO Genia Duncan Ellis. “Riverwalk is at the heart of Fort Lauderdale – geographically, culturally and from residential, business and civic perspectives. Let’s bring the award for Best Riverwalk home where it belongs.” How to Vote: Visit GoRiverwalk.com/vote to be redirected to the official 10Best voting page. Voting is limited to one vote per person, per category, per day, and incentives are not permitted per the official rules. More information will be available at GoRiverwalk.com/10Best, including materials for partners to promote the campaign.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the
programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District.
Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members
uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building
and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New
River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and
membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in
Go Riverwalk Magazine.