Saturday June 13th 2026
Dunnville, ON - Mark Haines Memorial Strength CompetitionBig Strength, bigger Spirit. Pure 70's Grit
Real strength, roaring crowds, and a Mudcat tradition built on power and pride.
Get ready for one of the most exciting and crowd-pleasing events of the Mudcat Festival—the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition. Throughout the day, powerful athletes from across Ontario will step onto the competition field to take on incredible feats of strength using real-world objects. Spectators will witness jaw-dropping challenges like truck pulls, massive lifts, tire flips, and other tests of grit and endurance as competitors push themselves to their limits while the crowd cheers them on.
The atmosphere is electric as announcers fire up the crowd, athletes battle for bragging rights, and families gather to watch strength and determination in action. Named in honor of Mark “Big Mark” Haines, the founder of the original Mudcat Strength Competition, this event continues his legacy of bringing strength sports and community spirit together. Whether you’re a fan of strength athletics or simply love high-energy entertainment, the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition is an unforgettable experience and a must-see highlight of the Mudcat Festival.
LOCATION: Central Park, Dunnville ON
DATE: Saturday June 13th, 2026
TIME: Weigh in 1pm
Competition starts around 2:00pm after the bed races. Come right over!
“I love helping the Haines Brothers with the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition because of the heart behind it. They work incredibly hard to keep their dad’s memory alive in a way that continues to inspire others. I love seeing competitors set annual goals, push themselves, and celebrate their progress. Beyond the competition itself, it’s about community, perseverance, encouragement, and creating a positive legacy that brings people together year after year.”
Angela Brooks, Strength Competition Ambassador
In Memory of 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.
PRESENTED BY…
Think You’ve Got What It Takes?
Step Up and Compete.
The Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition is calling on strongmen and strongwomen ready to test their power, grit, and determination in front of an energized Mudcat Festival crowd. This is your chance to take the field, push your limits, and be part of a competition that celebrates strength, community, and the legacy of Mark Haines. Athletes who register by May 10th will be featured with their own official competitor trading card and are guaranteed to receive an event t-shirt in their preferred size. If you’re ready to lift, pull, and compete with the best, don’t wait—secure your spot and join the lineup for one of the most exciting strength events of the summer.
Meet the Strength Competitors
Andrew Levesque
Sonya Romanowski
Sarah Houser
Andrew Wilson
Julie Young
Strength Competition Highlights
The Mudcat Festival Strength Competition has long been one of the most thrilling spectacles of the weekend, drawing crowds eager to witness incredible feats of power and determination. From massive truck pulls and tire flips to roaring crowds cheering on every lift, these photos capture the grit, energy, and unforgettable moments that make this event a festival favorite. Take a look back at some of the powerful highlights and proud competitors who have helped build the legacy of strength at the Mudcat Festival.
Thank you to our presenting sponsors
We are currently seeking a Presenting Sponsor to partner with us in bringing this powerful event to life. As the Presenting Sponsor, your business will be recognized as the lead supporter of the competition. This is a unique opportunity to connect your brand with strength, perseverance, community spirit, and a crowd that loves high-energy entertainment. Your support helps us continue the legacy of the competition while creating an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators.
A huge thank you to Iron Haven for stepping forward as a Presenting Sponsor — all in their very first year of business.
As a new local gym offering memberships, fitness training, and a place for people to build strength, confidence, and community, we know this kind of sponsorship is a major undertaking. Starting a business takes courage, investment, long hours, and a whole lot of belief in what you are building.
That’s why support like this means so much. Even while growing their own business, Iron Haven chose to invest back into the community and help support the events and traditions that bring people together.
We are incredibly grateful for your support and proud to have Iron Haven as part of this year’s Mudcat Festival. Thank you for believing in community, connection, and keeping local traditions strong.
Thank you to our Community Sponsors…
…for helping bring the strength, excitement, and energy of this competition to life.
Thank you to Dunnville Craft Emporium for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as a Platinum Sponsor. As a vibrant artisan collective in the heart of Dunnville, they provide local makers and creators with a welcoming space to showcase their talents while supporting community events and local creativity.
Thank you to Luke’s Luxury Detailing for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as a Platinum Sponsor. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and passion for making vehicles look their absolute best, they are proud supporters of local events and community traditions.
Thank you to Bay King Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as a Platinum Sponsor. Known for their exceptional customer service and wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, Bay King continues to support the community and the events that bring people together.
Thank you to Homefield Advantage HVAC for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as a Platinum Sponsor. Known for their reliable heating and cooling services and commitment to customer care, we truly appreciate them stepping up to the plate to support this year’s event and the community behind it.
Thank you to MX Excavating Inc. for returning as a Gold Sponsor of the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition. Known for their dependable excavation services and commitment to quality work, their continued support helps keep this powerful community event growing year after year.
Thank you to Hear It Right for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as a Gold Sponsor. Dedicated to helping people improve their hearing health and quality of life through personalized hearing care solutions, we truly appreciate them stepping up to support this year’s event and community celebration.
Thank you to Radiance Room for supporting the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as a Gold Sponsor and for helping keep participants refreshed and hydrated with the athlete refreshment table. As a local Infrared Sauna Spa, Red Light Therapy & Wellness Service, Radiance Room is passionate about wellness, recovery, and helping people feel their best inside and out.
Would You Like To Sponsor This Event?
The Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition is a fan-favorite event that draws big crowds and big energy during the Dunnville Mudcat Festival. Strongmen and strongwomen from across Ontario push their limits in thrilling challenges like truck pulls, log lifts, and other incredible feats of strength. It’s a powerful tribute to Mark Haines and an unforgettable experience for spectators. Businesses and community supporters are invited to help power this event through sponsorship. Flip through the sponsorship package below to explore the opportunities and join us in making this competition a highlight of the festival.
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The Dunnville Mudcat Festival is proudly hosted by the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, celebrating over five decades of community spirit, local pride, and summer tradition along the Grand River. Since its beginnings in 1974, the Mudcat Festival has brought generations together through music, family-friendly events, local businesses, and volunteer-driven celebrations. We are honoured to continue this tradition and invite the community, visitors, sponsors, and volunteers to be part of the memories we’re creating today — and for years to come.
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289-407-1685
info@dunnvillechamberofcommerce.com
Dunnville, ON