Ringside spectacular

Staff writer

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When many people think about a good way to spend their Friday night, midget wrestling almost never comes up, but according to Chad Heflin, owner of the Dawghouze, it’s a popular act that people tend not to forget.

“I think it’s a great experience that many people don’t get to see,” Heflin said. “We’ve always had a good turnout and it’s great for the community and it’s something people will remember for years.”

The Dawghouze and Portales MainStreet are hosting a midget wrestling event today and Friday at 8 p.m. both nights.

The event will be for all ages, although those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The theater will be split between a section for those 21, where alcoholic beverages will be served, and a non-alcohol section. There will be additional parking behind the theater and the only entry is through the front.

Heflin hosted the event once in the parking lot of his bar, but learned the weather may not always cooperate.

“We did it one time in the parking lot two years ago, but when you do an outside event the weather can go either way and I don’t want people spending money on an event and then it gets canceled.”

Heflin contacted Jan Elliot, executive director of the Portales MainStreet program, about using the Yam Theater.

“I went to our board of directors and said Heflin reached out to us and asked if he would go into partnership with him,” said Elliot, who has a background in event planning said. “That’s really what we’re trying to do now is pair up with merchants in town. It’s essentially what the program is about.”

For those over 21, there will be an after party Saturday at the Dawghouze where you can meet the wrestlers and have them autograph items and take pictures. The event has limited seats left, something that Heflin and Elliot are excited about.

“I’m thrilled. This is exactly what we want.” Elliot said.

For Elliot and the MainStreet Program, midget wrestling is part of an effort to bring more people and events to the Yam Theater.

“We want people to come out and enjoy the event,” Elliot said. “But a lot of people don’t realize we have this facility available. But we have shows planned for later in the year. My goal is to bring the community back together and to work with the merchants to bring a nightlife back to the square.”