LAKELAND — Sunbelt Wrestling Entertainment is bringing Santa Claus and professional wrestling to town Saturday for Santamania 2 to raise money for the Lanier County High School marching band.

SWE promoter Brooks Robinson is heading up the fundraiser, and is wanting to use the money to help the band buy new marching uniforms, he said.

Robinson said he doesn’t have a goal for the fundraiser because the school still needs thousands of dollars for the uniforms, and it isn’t the first fundraiser SWE has done for the school.

“We did one a few months ago, and they contacted us about another fundraiser, and we had the date open,” he said.

SWE raises money for schools all over the South, he said, and Robinson is the band booster president for Cook High school. 

“It’s very unique,” he said. “It’s a lot better than selling cookie dough. It’s good wholesome entertainment. Our shows are family friendly. We have something for all ages. We try to stay away from the vulgarities.”

All profits from the show will go to the fundraiser, he said, but residents are encouraged to make additional donations for the band as well.

Santamainia 2 is SWE’s holiday event and has reduced prices.

“It’s our big Christmas show,” Robinson said. “We try to make the show more affordable around Christmas time, and of course, who doesn’t love Santa.”

While Old Saint Nick won’t be getting in the ring, he will be available for free pictures, Robinson said.

For the show, there will be two championship matches: the SWE Heavyweight Championship and the SWE Tag Team Championship.

For the heavyweight championship, 30-time heavyweight champion in multiple organizations “Mr. Saturday Night” Jarrod Michaels will compete with rookie “Mr. Reality” Jackson Cruze, Robinson said.

Cruze earned the chance at the title after pinning Michaels in an earlier match.

For the tag-team championship, Black Fury and Knightmare Syndicate will face off in a no-disqualification or count-out match.

Black Fury and Knightmare Syndicate have had an ongoing feud for months, Robinson said.

The show will be held at Lanier Elementary School, 92 South Valdosta Road. Doors open 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets for ringside are $10, general admission fare is $6 and kids 12 and younger are $3. Tickets will be sold at the door.

For more information, call Robinson, (229) 507-9532. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.