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Nik Wallenda, "King of the High Wire," will dare to tightrope walk across the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls
Daredevil Nik Wallenda will walk on a wire from Terrapin Point in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the evening of Friday, June 15. Wallenda officially announced the date at a joint press conference Wednesday morning with State Sen. George Maziarz and Assemblyman John Ceretto.
Wallenda was scheduled to appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" to announce his intentions. That appearance was canceled late Tuesday night, as final walk details were yet to be finalized. Wallenda, who has a previous working agreement with the Discovery Channel, did not reveal which network will air his high-wire performance, but he did say it would be televised live.
Watch Wallenda make the announcement
Wallenda's walk will commence at a spot across from the Top of the Falls Restaurant. He said it would take about 30 minutes or so to cross over into Canada.
Beginning May 12, Wallenda will practice his walk at the neighboring Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. His trial runs will be free and open to the public.
Click here for a photo gallery
The Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation has partnered with the City of Niagara Falls, The Conference & Events Center Niagara Falls, and Niagara Falls State Park to put forth comprehensive information for "The Wallenda Walk at Niagara Falls."
NTCC has launched a website where area residents and visitors will find general information about the logistics of the day, including where to watch the walk live. Additionally, tourists can access an online reservation system for lodging and accommodations, and there will be a continuously updated list of attractions and things to do throughout Niagara County. The site can be accessed at WalkTheFalls.com or through "The Wallenda Walk at Niagara Falls" banner at Niagara-usa.com.
"We are very excited to welcome Nik Wallenda and the attention his spotlight will bring on the long-standing allure of Niagara's tremendous power, and the entire area as a whole," said Melissa Morinello, director of marketing and communications for the NTCC. "Our entire staff will be working diligently to provide the most up-to-date information to residents and visitors who not only want to watch 'The Wallenda Walk at Niagara Falls' live, but to also enjoy the many attractions and events that will be happening surrounding June 15, 2012.
"The website at Niagara-usa.com is the best source for all things Wallenda."
Wallenda is seventh generation of the legendary Great Wallendas, and set a Guinness World Record Oct. 15, 2008, for the longest distance and greatest height ever traveled by bicycle on a high wire. It is his lifetime goal to tightrope walk across Niagara Falls.
It has been more than 150 years since the "Great Blondin" first walked the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope. Stunting in Niagara Falls State Park had been banned for decades before Maziarz and Ceretto worked toward the passage of legislation to allow this one-time daredevil act with Wallenda.