Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition
The Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition brings together strongmen and strongwomen from across Ontario for an awe-inspiring show of physical power, heart, and hometown pride. Competitors will push their limits using everyday objects—cars, tires, and trucks—in an outdoor arena that pulses with adrenaline and community spirit.
Whether you’re a returning athlete or new to the world of strongman events, this is your chance to test your strength and take part in a tradition more than two decades strong.
📋 Registration Info
Think you’ve got what it takes? Register now to compete!
All registered participants will receive a collectible participation card as a keepsake.
👉 TEXT 289-407-1685 for details
Heats will be announced closer to the event. Weigh-in is 1PM
Location:
Central Park, Dunnville, ON
Date:
Saturday June 14th, 2025
Time:
Weigh in 1pm
Competition starts around 2:00pm after the bed races. Come right over!!
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New this year – Collectible Strength Competition Cards!
🧡 Honoring Mark Haines
Mark Haines, a proud Dunnville resident, founded and hosted the very first Mudcat Strength Competition in 1998. As an Ontario weightlifting champion, he already had a reputation for incredible power. Known locally as “Big Mark,” he was a legend in the gym, admired for both his raw strength and relentless work ethic. But Mark wasn’t just about lifting weights—he had a creative mind and a passion for pushing limits. With the town’s approval, he brought his vision to life, launching what was originally called the Dunnville Mudcat Festival Strongman Competition.
The event quickly gained momentum, attracting jaw-dropping displays of strength from competitors far and wide. Within two years, it outgrew its original Central Park location and moved to the Cedar Street asphalt, where it continues to be held today. Less than a decade in, strong women began stepping up to compete, prompting an official shift to both a strongman and strongwoman format. What truly sets this event apart is its use of everyday objects as obstacles—cars, trucks, logs, tires. This isn’t just an outdoor weightlifting contest; it’s a spectacle of brute strength and determination that draws massive crowds year after year.
Behind the scenes, the Haines family—Linda, Shawn, and Mike—played a crucial role in making the competition a success. Mark used his artistic ability to design a unique competition t-shirt each year. He also dominated the contest the first few years, with his son Shawn following in his footsteps. Tragically, Mark passed away in late 2017, leaving behind a legacy that still looms large in the community. Though he is deeply missed, his vision lives on. Today, his sons Shawn and Mike carry the torch, ensuring that the competition—now named the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition—continues to inspire and amaze.
Would you like to Volunteer?
Be part of the action at the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition
We’re looking for 6 awesome volunteers to help us keep the day fun, safe, and organized!
1 & 2: 📋 Registration & Scorekeeping Crew (2 volunteers)
Shift Time: 1:00 PM – approx. 4:00 PM
Location: Registration table near Cedar Street
Duties:
- Help register participants as they arrive
- Hand out collectible participant cards
- Keep track of athlete scores during the event
- Assist event coordinators with heat check-ins
Perfect for: Friendly, detail-oriented folks who can keep their cool and stay focused in a high-energy setting.
3 & 6: 🎉 CHEER & TRAFFIC CONTROL CREW (4 volunteers)
Shift Time: 1:00 PM – approx. 4:00 PM
Location: Around competition area
Duties:
- Keep spectators behind safety barricades and off the competition course
- Help monitor blocked-off road area for crowd safety
- Keep the energy high with positive cheers and engagement
- Throw giveaways and keep the vibe electric!
- Help guide any emergency vehicles or staff if needed
Perfect for: High-energy, outgoing people who love to pump up a crowd and keep things safe.
Lots of Great Prizes!!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
The Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your commitment helps us keep Mark’s legacy alive and ensures this powerful community tradition continues to grow.
We are so grateful for your belief in the strength, spirit, and determination this event represents.
We invite everyone to join us in expressing appreciation to our sponsors by following them on social media and, even better, reaching out to extend personal thanks. Together, we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and the power of community support.
Presenting SPONSOR…
A powerful thank you to Bay King Chrysler for stepping up as the Presenting Sponsor of the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition!
Your support gave this event the fuel it needed to succeed—honoring Mark’s legacy with strength, pride, and community spirit. With your help, we were able to raise the bar and bring this event to life in a big way. We’re grateful for your leadership and belief in this local tradition.
👉 Visit www.bayking.ca to learn more or stop by their dealership in Hamilton.
A heartfelt thank you to Klear Kustoms Classic Car Restoration for their outstanding contribution –
From organizing the team, to sourcing and donating the car, stripping it down, painting it to perfection, and adding safety bars and lifts—your dedication and craftsmanship turned this vision into reality. The strength community thanks you for helping bring this event to life in true high-octane style.
Visit them on Facebook to check out their incredible restoration work in Dunnville!
A big thank you to Dunnville Craft Emporium for their Platinum Sponsorship –
Your generous support helped us build a powerful, community-driven event in memory of Mark. As a local business that champions creativity, passion, and small-town pride, your involvement reminds us how strong Dunnville truly is—inside and out.
👉 Visit the Emporium in downtown Dunnville to discover unique handcrafted treasures, local vendors, and community spirit in every aisle!
A huge thank you to We Move 4 U – As a trusted moving company serving Dunnville and the Niagara area, their support helps us lift this event to new heights—both literally and figuratively!
Visit www.wemove4u.ca or say hi on Facebook!
COMMUNITY SPONSOR…
A heartfelt thank you to Arms Open Counselling –
Your support reminds us that strength goes beyond what we see—it includes emotional resilience, healing, and the courage to keep going. By standing with us at this event, you’ve helped create a space where mental and physical strength come together in honor of Mark’s legacy.
👉 Learn more or book a session by visiting Arms Open Counselling on Facebook.
Thank you to South Coast Awareness for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition!
Your sponsorship helped us shine a light on strength in all forms—physical, mental, and emotional. As an organization dedicated to mental health awareness and community wellness, your presence was a meaningful reminder of the importance of resilience and support. We’re grateful for your role in making this event a success.
👉 Learn more about their mission and resources by following South Coast Awareness on Facebook.
A big thank you to Minor Bros Country Living –
Your support helped us build a stronger, more connected event for the community. With deep local roots and a commitment to helping families, farms, and pet owners thrive, your sponsorship reflects the very values this event stands for—strength, support, and hometown pride.
👉 Visit Minor Bros to explore everything from pet supplies to farm and garden essentials.
Thank you to MXC Excavating Inc –
Your sponsorship helped lay the foundation—literally and figuratively—for an unforgettable event. With your commitment to precision, power, and community, you helped us celebrate strength in a way that truly honored Mark’s legacy.
👉 Reach out to MXC Excavating Inc for trusted excavation services in the Haldimand and Niagara regions.
COMMUNITY SPONSOR…
A sincere thank you to Hamilton Boiler Works Limited for your hands-on support of the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition!
Taking time out of a beautiful Saturday to help strip down the new strength car shows your true community spirit. Your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get involved helped turn an idea into reality—and we’re grateful for your dedication to this tribute event.
👉 Learn more about their services at www.hamiltonboilerworks.com
COMMUNITY SPONSOR…
A big thank you to Armour Protective Solutions for lending a hand in prepping the new strength car for the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition!
Your team stepped in to help strip the vehicle and get it ready for its big debut—proving that real strength shows up in action, not just words. We appreciate your commitment to community, teamwork, and helping this event run strong and smooth.
👉 Learn more about their protective GoNano Technology services for roofs, concrete and wood by visiting Armour Protective Solutions on Facebook.
A huge thank you to Express Care Valvoline in Dunnville –
Their team also rolled up their sleeves to help strip down the strength car, playing a key role in bringing this signature element to life. Your teamwork, community spirit, and can-do attitude helped us build something truly memorable.
👉 Stop by for quick, quality vehicle service—or just to say thanks!
A massive thank you to WillowDale Water Haulage for donating their truck and time to the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition!
Your contribution added an unforgettable element to the competition—giving registrants the thrilling challenge of a real truck pull and giving spectators a true crowd-pleaser. We’re grateful for your generosity, energy, and commitment to making this event unforgettable.
👉 Learn more or book water delivery by visiting WillowDale Water Haulage on Facebook.
A huge thank you to Plazek Auto Recyclers for donating the car that became the centerpiece of the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition!
Your generous contribution gave us the perfect foundation to build something unforgettable. Thanks to you, we were able to transform this car into the ultimate test of strength—and a highlight for competitors and spectators alike.
👉 Visit www.plazek.com to learn more about their auto recycling and parts services.
A heartfelt thank you to Wally’s Garage for the many tows donated to get the Mudcat Strength Car exactly where it needed to be!
Your support behind the scenes ensured the car was in place for each key moment of the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition. From transport to timing, your generosity and commitment made this unforgettable event possible.
👉 For trusted towing and automotive service in Dunnville, visit Wally’s Garage or connect on Facebook.
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled and honored to once again spearhead the organization of the 48th annual Mudcat Festival, a beloved tradition that celebrates our vibrant community and rich heritage. With the unwavering support and enthusiastic participation of the Dunnville community, we are able to create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
This longstanding festival not only showcases the unique charm of our town but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among all who call Dunnville home. As we prepare for another year of exciting events and cherished memories, we extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributes their time, resources, and passion to make the Mudcat Festival a resounding success. Together with Thrive.
Want to learn more? Get in touch!
DUNNVILLE MUDCAT FESTIVAL 