Niagara Falls ©Kevin Timothy
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Daredevil and seventh-generation member of the famed Flying Wallendas, Nik Wallenda, is set to walk a 1,800 foot tightrope across Niagara Falls this summer
Wallenda finally received the go ahead from the Canadian Niagara Parks Commission, which months ago refused even to consider the idea. The Canadian panel initially refused to give their approval of stunt because they feared it would invite a return to the cheap carnival-like atmosphere of the falls during the mid-1800s.
The New York Legislature passed a bill allowing the walk last year, citing the economic incentives of the stunt, but the Canadian side took a bit more convincing. The Commissioners revoted on the request only when Wallenda gained the support of Ontario tourism minister Michael Chan and other important elected officials.
“Our primary focus is on recognizing that daredevil acts and stunting, tightrope walking, that they form part of the rich history of Niagara Falls itself and it’s being recognized and in a way paid tribute to,” Commission Chairwoman Janice Thomson said. “What we’re attempting to do here is control it and treat it as a tribute.”
Wallenda plans to run a custom-made 2-inch wire 60 to 70 feet above the 160-foot gorge.
Traversing the falls has been a childhood dream of Wallenda’s. The daredevil, who holds six Guinness World Records, has a deal with Discovery television to broadcast the spectacle live.
Read more at Yahoo News.