Williams Lake is the only city in Canada that celebrates the upcoming Wrestling Day Jan. 2.
It’s a civic holiday that dates back to the 40s, and was officially made a by-law in 1959. The day was created by two merchants, Alistair MacKenzie and Sid Western. On Jan. 2 of an unknown year, as they looked out their shop windows on to the snowy and deserted streets they decided residents should be given the day off. No one should work and they should be with their community members and loved ones. There are rumours the day was named because people were still ‘wrestling’ with their New Year’s Day hangover.
Following a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in the town, Wrestling Day was created the day after New Year’s Day.