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Ceretto: Daredevil bill will attract tourists to Falls

by jmaloni
Sat, Jun 11th 2011 01:25 am

Legislation seeks to increase tourism and local revenue

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, is sponsoring legislation to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara Falls River Gorge on a high wire. Ceretto said the event will promote tourism and increase local revenue for the region. 

"From the earliest daredevils riding barrels over the falls to Evel Knievel's famous performance, Niagara Falls has attracted countless thrill seekers and fans to the region," Ceretto said. "By allowing a skilled and famous high wire walker to traverse the falls, the legislature will help to promote tourism and increase local revenue to the region."

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-C, Newfane, who is sponsoring companion legislation in the Senate, said, "The Wallendas have been at the very top of their field for generations. Nik's walk on the high wire will be a first-class event that will draw extra attention to the wonders of Niagara Falls. I'm happy to help make it possible."

A seventh generation tightrope walker, Wallenda holds two world records for his high wire performances. He also is the star of a new Discovery Channel show titled "Life on a Wire," which focuses on his high wire exploits.

"This legislation will promote tourism on the American side of the falls and give our region a needed boost to help spur economic development," Ceretto said. "We must step up our game to attract tourists and their dollars to our region. Over the years, the American side of the falls has steadily declined as the Canadian side flourished. While this event will not be a cure-all , it can be a step in the right direction toward rebuilding the American side of the falls."

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