Professional wrestling, music and food will be featured at a Citizens Hose Fire-Rescue-EMS fundraiser Saturday in Harrison.
The event, featuring a show by Keystone State Wrestling Alliance, is scheduled to start with food at 1 p.m., music beginning at 2:30 p.m. and wrestling getting underway at 5 p.m. at the fire hall off Burtner Road.
“We were just trying to think outside the box where it could be something fun for the family,” said Jim Erb, director of Citizens Hose Ambulance Service.
The wrestling matches will feature four title defenses, according to KSWA owner Bobby Orkwis.
The alliance, founded in 2000, shut down in February 2020 because of the covid pandemic. It returned in May with an outdoor tour, of which the Citizens Hose event is a part.
“It will be a lot of fun,” Orkwis said, describing the show as PG-13-rated at worst. “We’re very fan-friendly and very fan-oriented. We love to get the people involved as much as we possibly can.”
Orkwis said the alliance loves doing fundraisers, and does several each year.
“It’s just a way we’re able to give back and do something we love to do,” he said.
For those not interested in wrestling, Erb said there will be good food to eat and music to enjoy.
Food available from 1 to 5 p.m. will include barbecue, roast chicken, hot dogs and pizza. Meals can be pre-ordered and delivered, Erb said.
While the wrestling is underway, concessions will include lemonade, cotton candy and nachos.
Local musicians Gavin Wingard and John Melnick will perform between 2 and 4:30 p.m., Erb said.
Wrestling admission tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
Erb said proceeds could go toward equipment or a fund to pay off the cost of a rescue engine.
“We just wanted to do an event where people could come out and enjoy the day,” he said.
With seven wrestling matches scheduled, Orkwis said the show usually runs 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
“Come prepared to have fun, cheer, boo, laugh and have a good time,” Orkwis said.
