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FUNAMBULIST ASSISTANT

Blondin$400 for the right man.

Nik Wallenda will walk the high wire across Niagara Falls, Friday night, June 15.

If he is the man we think he is, he will strive to surpass Jean Francois Gravelot, better known as Blondin, who, on June 30, 1859, was the first to cross the Niagara on a tightrope 1100 feet long, 3¼ inches in diameter, 160 feet above the water. He crossed just below Niagara Falls.

On later trips across the gorge, Blondin rode a bicycle, walked on stilts, stood on his head, pushed a stove in a wheelbarrow and cooked an omelet. He sat at a table balanced on the tightrope and ate cake and drank champagne, as thousands watched.
One time he carried his manager, Harry Colcord on his back.

Mr. Wallenda’s wire walk will surely be memorable and like the Great Blondin, Mr. Wallenda’s next tightrope journey over the falls will require something extra to sustain public interest.

If Mr. Wallenda were to carry a local man on his back across the Falls, this, we believe, would provide variety, give the community a boost and show the mettle of the good people of Niagara County.

The entire trip is expected to take less than one hour.

If you are able and willing to go, please contact the Reporter by email at info@niagarafallsreporter.com.

Please no one over 275 pounds.

 

 

Niagara Falls Reporter www.niagarafallsreporter.com May 29, 2012