As most of you know, Nik Wallenda and his family are performing at SDC's Opera House this summer during Kid's Fest. This Friday, he will walk on a high-wire across the horseshoe bend portion of Niagara Falls. The stunt will be televised live on ABC at 8 pm, Friday, the 15th, with a countdown show at 7 pm. Be sure to watch.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/06/daredevil-nik-wallendas-unprecedented-niagara-falls-tightrope-walk-to-air-live-on-abc-friday-june-15/
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/nik-wallendas-walk-niagara-numbers/story?id=16528783#.T9llo5iuWSo
And here is a short video in which Nik talks about his dream for this stunt.
http://igg.me/p/114001
Does SDC have a back-up show just in case? ;) :D
Well, in showbiz, "here today, gone tomorrow!" Goooooood, luck mister! ;)
I was at that show this past weekend. It was introduced as The Wallenda Family Circus, and when they introduced each member participating he wasn't mentioned, so I assume there are enough family members to carry on different segments of the circus.
I just read online that ABC is requiring that Nik be tethered by a separate wire. That's not his style, so I imagine that he's not happy about that (or maybe he is ;D ).
There are actually a couple of people filling in at the SDC show while Nik and his wife Erendira are in New York. A friend, Blake, has been filling in for Nik on the wire, and was probably who you saw in the show, Gilligan. A woman named Hannah (I think) is filling in for Erendira with a silks act instead of the ring act.
And you're right, Nik wasn't happy about being tethered, and has even said it may hinder his walk. He fought it as best he could, but ABC said they would pull the plug if he didn't abide by that condition, so since they are putting about 4 million into this stunt, Nik has agreed to their wishes.
Quote from: Ozarks Gal on June 14, 2012, 09:09:55 AM
Does SDC have a back-up show just in case? ;) :D
The family has been quite prolific. :)
For wire walkers, I happen to prefer Philippe Petit. You can watch the documentary "Man On Wire" on Netflix, about how he and his co-conspirators rigged a wire for him to walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center, in 1974.
Brilliant. :)
Thank God, the walk was accomplished without a hitch. It was awesome to watch. And with Nik praising Jesus all the way, what a testimony!
Here is the story about him run on MSN.
http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/15/12246606-nik-wallenda-completes-tightrope-walk-across-niagara-falls?lite
Zephon, I agree! Not only was it great, but what testimony for a younger generation. It was both inspiring and motivational! I loved it! Did you hear him announce his next stunt? The Grand Canyon! Holy Cow! One mile across that canyon! :o :o
Gilligan, we were sitting in the green room of the Opera House talking about Niagara the day before he left and I said "What's next, after Niagara...the Grand Canyon?" And he said "As a matter of fact, I already have the permit to do that." I can't imagine that. He said his arms were aching as he reached the end of this walk, and that he was physically drained...the Grand Canyon walk will be three times as long. Hopefully, he'll sit down on the wire and take breaks along the way. Anyway, he'll need lots of prayer support for that one.
According to Branson's Hometown Radio, Nik Wallenda will be back at SDC on Tuesday, June 19th.
http://www.hometowndailynews.com/10704/update_wallenda_back_to_work_tuesday_at_silver_dollar_city.html
Quote from: Zephon on June 16, 2012, 11:36:54 AM
Gilligan, we were sitting in the green room of the Opera House talking about Niagara the day before he left and I said "What's next, after Niagara...the Grand Canyon?" And he said "As a matter of fact, I already have the permit to do that."
NOW THAT'S COOL! I can't wait for that one!! ;D We'll be back in Branson on the 29th. Looks like I'll have to make another trip to the Opera House to see him in person this time.
SDC honors Wallenda with a parade and the Branson mayor gives him the key to the city. More details and an interview from Hometown Daily Radio:
http://www.hometowndailynews.com/10735/wallenda_back_to_work_at_silver_dollar_city_parade_scheduled_today.html
Congratulations to Nik! I've never heard of this parade thing for a performer at SDC. Good way to generate publicity for Kidsfest.