Wrestling Coming to Elk Grove Rotary Fest

Mark your calendars for July 16-20, for five days of fun at Elk Grove Rotary Fest. There will be live music, a carnival, food, a drone light show, fireworks and more.

Of special interest to me is the full six-match wrestling card on Saturday, July 19. These are no ordinary matches. The wrestlers include returning favorites, longtime veterans and rising young stars. Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson will be making his in-ring debut.

I won't reveal the card details. I will leave that to local teacher Justin James, who organized the wrestling card. I interviewed Justin to discuss the wrestling and the rest of the Elk Grove Rotary Fest fun. He even gave a scoop of a newly added wrestler (and favorite of mine) who has yet to be revealed to the public.

A former amateur and pro wrestler, Justin is stepping back in the ring to assist Mayor Johnson. This all started at a village meeting.

I have known Justin for many years. I was a big fan of his work as a wrestler and manager. While he had to step away as an active wrestler, wrestling remains a passion. He still works with POWW Entertainment, helping POWW owner Jimmy Blaze more behind the scene.

Justin is a great guy and anything he is organizing is bound to be topnotch. Knowing most of the wrestlers and others involved, I have no doubt this is going to be a special afternoon of wrestling.

Elk Grove Rotary Fest runs July 16-20 at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Dr.. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (Next to Elk Grove High School). You won't want to miss this. I'm really looking forward to it. Until then, enjoy my interview with Justin and look here or elkgroverotaryfest.com for more updates.