Prepare to see things you didn’t think were humanly possible. On Saturday, August 9 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, the Manitoba Strongman Provincials return to Winkler as part of the Harvest Festival, promising jaw-dropping displays of grit, power, and determination. The event takes place just outside the Meridian Exhibition Centre and is free for the public to attend.
This isn’t just about lifting heavy things, it’s about lifting up a legacy.
A Winkler legacy lives on
Winkler has a long and respected history in the world of Strongman competition. That history is now being carried forward by Tyler Sigurdson, co-owner of Strong Manitoba and coordinator of the provincial event.
“There’s a really strong history of strongman in Manitoba, and particularly in Winkler,” Sigurdson said. “Brent Hamm used to put on competitions at the Harvest Festival more than a decade ago. They were big enough that even World’s Strongest Man competitor Dave Ostlund would come up from Minnesota to take part.”
It’s that kind of tradition that inspired Sigurdson to keep the sport alive in the province.
“Strongman gives you a different kind of challenge. You’re competing alone, but the community around you is incredibly supportive.” - Tyler Sigurdson of Strong Manitoba
From passion to profession
Sigurdson first got into Strongman after seeing a tight-knit community gathering every Saturday at a specialized gym. “It just looked like an absolute blast,” he said. “It was a great way to challenge myself and meet people who supported each other.”
That sense of camaraderie now fuels Strong Manitoba, the province’s only Strongman promotion company. Sigurdson and his team have been organizing competitions for the past three years, reviving a sport that was all but dormant in the province.
“We had zero professional strongmen in Manitoba three years ago,” he said. “Now we have three. The sport is growing fast.”
Meet the pros
Those three pros? Sigurdson himself, along with Daniel Cadger from Sandy Hook and Andrew Langler from Selkirk. “Andrew is about to make his debut at Canada’s Strongest Man, and Daniel has been steadily climbing the pro ranks,” Sigurdson said. “It pushes everyone else to work harder and dream bigger.”
The provincial competition in Winkler is more than just another stop on the calendar. It's the final qualifier before the national stage in Calgary—making it one of the most critical events of the year.
A wild ride of strength events
Spectators can expect a thrilling showcase of events, from the Overhead Press Medley to the Atlas Stones.
“We’ve got the press medley with logs and barbells, a heavy deadlift, the farmer’s carry with the super yoke, and of course the Atlas Stones to close out the day,” Sigurdson explained. “We’ve made sure the weights are tough. Nobody gets an easy pass to Nationals.”
While each event tests different strengths, Sigurdson said the beauty of Strongman lies in its unpredictability.
“What’s easy for one person can be the hardest thing for the next. There’s no one type of body or background that makes someone good at this,” he said. “It could be anyone.”
A show for the whole family
Beyond the intense competition, the event promises a fun and inspiring day out for all ages.
“I’ve never seen a kid at a Strongman show who wasn’t smiling,” Sigurdson said. “What could be more inspiring than watching someone from your own community lift 300-pound stones overhead?”
He added that the show is ideal for kids who may not thrive in traditional team sports. “Strongman gives you a different kind of challenge. You’re competing alone, but the community around you is incredibly supportive.”
From spectator to participant?
For those who feel inspired to try it for themselves, Sigurdson encourages a visit to The Forge, a Winkler-based gym run by Ryan Froese and Ariel Griffith.
“It’s a fantastic place to learn the ropes. They’re great people, and it’s where a lot of strongman journeys begin,” he said.
Don’t miss it
The Manitoba Strongman Provincials take place Saturday, August 9, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on the east side of the Meridian Exhibition Centre in Winkler. Expect sweat, cheering crowds, and feats of strength that will leave you speechless. This is a sport fueled by passion, rooted in local history, and powered by some of the strongest individuals in the country.
If you’re looking for something unforgettable at this year’s Harvest Festival, this is it.