Wrestlers to rumble Saturday in Dixon

DIXON – The Sauk Valley’s own Paul “Hurricane” Smith and a handful of his professional wrestling pals will be grappling Saturday at a family-friendly benefit to help pay medical and funeral expenses for his dad, a local Army veteran.

Live music, food, raffles and prizes also are on tap.

Smith’s father, Korean War vet Ronald E. “Toad” Smith, died July 8 of complications of dementia and kidney-related issues. Toad, who earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star during his service, was well-known in the area, not the least through his memberships at the Dixon American Legion and VFW Post 540.

He also was a shipping and receiving supervisor at Admiral Corp. and a metal specialist at Sinow and Weinman, later Dixon Iron & Metal, before retiring in 1992 to work part-time at Third Street Citgo, all in Dixon.

Toad was an avid wrestling fan, and the benefit is in part a tribute from Paul, who retired in August 2015 as Amboy Police superintendent, after 24 years on the force.

The burly, 6-foot-7 Smith was a patrol deputy in 1986 when he took a few years off to pursue a career in professional wrestling. He returned to the department in August 1991, and a year later was chief.

He was inducted into the Windy City Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, and his buddy, longtime Windy City Wrestling ring announcer “Mr. Bill” Bill Robinette (also known for being the White House Santa Claus at the lighting of the national Christmas tree the past several years) will kick things off Saturday.

Athletes with North American Professional Wrestling, the Independent Wrestling Association, Funky Munky Wrestling, and Rumble for the Kids will be throwing down.

Local vets who attend will be treated to a surprise, Smith said.

THE BENEFIT

A fundraiser to benefit the family of late Korean War veteran Ronald E. "Toad" Smith, featuring pro wrestlers from the North American Professional Wrestling, the Independent Wrestling Association, Funky Munky Wrestling and Rumble for the Kids, will be Saturday at VFW Post 540, 1560 state Route 38 in Dixon.

Gates open at 3 p.m., and wrestling begins at 4. Admission is $10 for ages 18 and older, $5 for kids. The event will be held outside; bring lawn chairs.

The wrestling will end around 6:15, and at 8 p.m., local rock band Abolish will play about an hour, followed by rockers Bloody Gulch from 9 to 11. There also will be door prizes, raffles of Chicago Cubs items and other goodies, and a 50-50 raffle.

Dinner and drinks will be available at the club, and concessions will be sold.

Call the post, 815-288-5165, for more information.