Members of the public will be able to meet famed American aerialist Nik Wallenda at two public events this week, before he walks into the history books by attempting to cross the Niagara Gorge on a high-wire on Friday, June 15th, 2012.
The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is hosting two meet and greet opportunities with Mr. Wallenda on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at its Table Rock Welcome Centre. Visitors will be able to speak to the professional wirewalker during each of the hour-long sessions as he prepares for his much-anticipated crossing.
Details of the two receptions are as follows:
WHAT: Public meet and greet opportunities with Nik Wallenda
WHEN: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012,
WHERE: Table Rock Welcome Centre,
First Floor Mall,
6650 Niagara Parkway,
Niagara Falls, Ont.
Mr. Wallenda is scheduled to attempt his 550-metre (1,800-foot) high-wire crossing from the American side of the Niagara River to the Canadian side on Friday, June 15, 2012, beginning at approximately 10:20 p.m.
It is anticipated that more than 120,000 spectators will gather to watch the event in both countries. Hundreds of millions of TV viewers around the world are also expected to watch coverage of the walk, which will be broadcast live on both the ABC and CTV television networks.
Wallenda will be the first person in more than 100 years to attempt such a feat and the first person ever to walk across on a wire so close to the Horseshoe Falls. Wirewalkers in the past have performed downstream from the Falls.
The Commission ruled that it will consider proposals by stunting professionals no more than once in a generation, defined as once every 20 years, as a way to pay tribute to the rich history and promotion of Niagara Falls.
NPC’s top priority remains the same as it has since its inception more than 125 years ago — protecting, preserving and enhancing its parks system, historic properties and numerous attractions for the safe enjoyment of millions of visitors from around the world.
NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that preserves a rich heritage, conserves natural wonders and inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.