ISLAND FALLS, Maine — Typically, the Island Falls gymnasium is relatively quiet at this time of year as the town transitions from its fall to winter recreation activities.
But thanks to tag-team effort between the Independent Wrestling Entertainment (IWE) group and the Island Falls Recreation Department, the town’s gymnasium erupted Oct. 3 with a wrestling extravaganza, drawing more than 100 fans of the sport.
Based out of Brewer, the IWE holds shows throughout Maine, although the Island Falls appearances typically are the farthest north they come, according to company spokesperson Eric Johnson. They have also done a few shows in Van Buren.
“We have been running shows in the state of Maine for the last six years,” Johnson said. “Island Falls has been great. We always get a good crowd and we try to make it affordable for families. We know it’s a lot more expensive for families to travel, so we bring the show to them.”
Shows typically cost $8 for ringside and $5 for bleachers. On Oct. 3, tickets were slightly higher at $10 (ringside) and $8 (bleacher) because the company held a special “Steel Cage” night, with grapplers tussling inside a ring surrounded by metal framework.
The cast of wrestlers hail from a variety of locations, including New York, New Jersey, Quebec, Connecticut, Rhode Island, as well as those from Maine.
“People don’t want to pay money to see guys off the street wrestling,” Johnson said. “We bring guys who have a lot of different backgrounds to make it more entertaining for folks.”
The IWE first started coming to Island Falls a couple of years ago as part of the town’s Summerfest events. The response was so good that the entertainment group has returned multiple times, with events typically held every few months.
“It’s been a good draw for the town,” said Ruth Frazier, Island Falls’ recreation director. “We have our regulars that come each time because they love it, but we also see a lot of new faces each time.”
Volunteers with the Recreation Department sell concessions at the wrestling events, which brings in much-needed income for the youth programs. The group will return to Island Falls, Friday, Dec. 5. For more information on IWE, visit their website at www.iwrestlinge.com.
