A successful second edition of wrestling in Erskine was recently completed and a third is already being planned for the fall.
The event, organized through Real Canadian Wrestling, is based out of Calgary but travels to many rural communities throughout the year, says Erskine promoter Kent MacKenzie.
"They are going to Drumheller three, four times a year," said MacKenzie.
The latest event, held on April 20 at the Erskine Curling Rink, was a near sell-out with 222 people.
"Everyone loves it," said MacKenzie.
"The wrestlers love it. They love seeing that many kids there ... it's something different."
While not intended to be a money-making event, the goal of MacKenzie and his partners in organizing the event is to make enough money to bring the wrestlers back every spring and fall, with the prior event paying for the down payment of the subsequent one.
"This time, we made enough to pay the down payment for next time, said MacKenzie.
The next event already has a date of Oct. 5 scheduled, and pre-sales are already going strong with all the VIP tickets having been pre-sold.
According to MacKenzie, the wrestling event is a boost to the community in other ways as well.
Not only is it something different for families to do, much akin to Stampede wrestling of days past, but renting the venue puts some money into the Erskine Curling Rink and different non-profit groups take turns running the event's 50/50 draw and the kitchen.
"I'm just happy people enjoy it and it was so well received," said MacKenzie.
In addition to Drumheller and Erskine, Real Canadian Wrestling has also taken place at venues in Bashaw, Lacombe and Camrose.
