The world-famous aerialist Rick Wallenda is set to captivate residents in Tampa Bay on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5pm over the courtyard of Sundial St. Pete. Wallenda will traverse the courtyard on a cable wire no bigger than an index finger without a harness or safety net. The third generation performer comes from a long line of aerialists who have captured the imagination and awe of audiences all over the globe. The event will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County.
The Great Wallendas entertain and shock the world
The patriarch of the family, Karl Wallenda, and his wife, Helen, brought The Great Wallendas four-man pyramid and cycling on the high wire to the US in 1928. In 1974, at the age of 69, Karl broke a world skywalk distance record of 1,800 feet at Kings Island in Ohio. Rick broke that record in 2008 when he completed a 2,000-foot skywalk at the same spot.
ADVERTISEMENT
The family holds multiple world records
The entire family holds multiple records for their stunts including the highest blindfolded tight rope and crossing Niagra Falls. “We are thrilled to welcome one of the world’s greatest tightrope walkers to Sundial,” said center owner Bill Edwards. “Sundial is a gathering place for the community so it’s only fitting the event take place there. We’re also pleased to partner with Habitat for Humanity as they will soon celebrate the completion of their four hundredth home. ”
“We are grateful to Bill Edwards and the Edwards Group for their partnership to bring Rick Wallenda to the people of Pinellas County,” said chief operating officer of Franklin Templeton and Habitat Pinellas board member Ronice Barlow. “What a perfect way to countdown to the highly-anticipated Habitat for Humanity Blueprint Vieux Cirque Gala at the Vinoy on Saturday, April 8, 2017! Local corporate sponsors like the Edwards Group help our community give a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ to our local families in need.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The circus comes to the Sundial
Prior to the Skywalk at 4pm, circus-themed performers will put on a unique show for visitors. Retailers at the Sundial will participate by donating proceeds back to Habitat for Humanity.
You can learn more about the skywalk on the Facebook event page.
*Article by Andrew Harlan, writer/editor of I Love The Burg
ADVERTISEMENT
