The Giant Sausage That Built a Town: An Edmontonian's Guide to Mundare’s Roadside Icon

There are road trips, and then there are pilgrimages.

 

For anyone from Edmonton with a taste for authentic Ukrainian food, the short drive east on Highway 16 leads to a truly iconic destination: Mundare’s giant Ukrainian sausage.

 

It’s a sight that’s almost impossible to believe until you see it.

 

Standing an impressive 42 feet tall and weighing a staggering 12,000 pounds, this massive fiberglass and steel kielbasa has been a landmark of local pride since its unveiling in 2001.

 

But this isn't just some roadside gimmick.

 

It's a towering tribute to the enduring legacy of Ukrainian culture in Central Alberta and to the family business that put this small town on the culinary map.

 

The statue is a monument to Stawnichy's Meat Processing, a local institution whose story is as rich as its famous garlic sausage.

 

Started in 1959 by Woytko and Anne Stawnichy from a small grocery store, the family business has become synonymous with the very idea of “Mundare sausage.”

 

Their traditional, naturally smoked ham garlic sausage is a recipe that has fed generations.

 

Today, the business is in its fourth generation, a testament to its unwavering quality and deep community roots.

 

Walking up to the giant kovbasa, you can practically smell the garlic in the air, a scent that wafts over from the nearby Stawnichy's deli and processing plant.

 

It’s here that the real magic happens.

 

Inside the Mundare Sausage House, you’ll find coolers packed with over 80 different kinds of meat products, from various sausages and jerkies to handmade perogies and cabbage rolls.

 

For many Edmontonians, a cooler packed with goodies from Stawnichy's is a non-negotiable part of the trip.

 

While the giant sausage is the main draw, the town of Mundare itself offers a deeper dive into the region's heritage.

 

The area is part of a historic bloc settlement of Ukrainian pioneers who arrived in the late 1890s, shaping the cultural and agricultural landscape of east-central Alberta.

 

A visit to the Basilian Fathers Museum provides a fascinating look into the religious and cultural artifacts of this community, showcasing the deep faith and traditions the settlers brought with them.

 

Just a short drive away lies another essential stop: the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.

 

This incredible open-air museum, located just east of Elk Island National Park, brings the story of these early pioneers to life.

 

Costumed interpreters walk you through more than 35 restored historical buildings, from traditional sod houses (burdei) to schools and Byzantine Rite churches, offering a vivid glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of settlement life between 1892 and 1930.

 

It’s an immersive experience that provides powerful context for the sausage statue just down the road.

 

Food is, without a doubt, central to the Mundare experience.

 

Beyond Stawnichy’s, the town offers other local gems.

 

The Mundare Bakery, now operating as Lori's Eats and Treats, has been serving the community since 1926 and offers a surprising twist with from-scratch baked goods alongside authentic Jamaican meals.

 

It’s a delicious example of how small-town Alberta continues to evolve.

 

The journey to see Mundare's giant Ukrainian sausage is more than just a quest for a quirky photo.

 

It’s a trip into the heart of Alberta's Ukrainian heritage.

 

It’s a story of immigration, perseverance, and the delicious traditions that bind a community together.

 

This isn't just about celebrating a sausage; it's about celebrating the people who made it famous.

 

And for those in Edmonton, it’s a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that exists just a short, rewarding drive away.

 

So pack a cooler, grab your camera, and prepare to be impressed, not just by the size of the sausage, but by the size of the story behind it.

 

 

Our reaer's FAQs

 

What is the Mundare sausage statue made of?

 

The 42-foot tall statue is constructed from fiberglass and steel, designed to withstand prairie winds of up to 160 km/h. It was erected in 2001 as a tribute to Stawnichy's Meat Processing.

 

Where can I buy Mundare sausage in Edmonton?

 

Stawnichy's operates Uncle Ed's Ukrainian Restaurant and the Mundare Sausage House deli at 4824-118 Avenue NW in Edmonton. Many local grocery stores in the Edmonton area also carry their products.

 

What else is there to do near Mundare?

 

Besides visiting the giant sausage, you can explore the Basilian Fathers Museum in town, visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, or take a short drive to see other roadside attractions like the giant Pysanka (Easter egg) in nearby Vegreville.