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KCCI archives: Tightrope walker Tino Wallenda walks cable of Iowa State Fair Sky Glider

KCCI archives: Tightrope walker Tino Wallenda walks cable of Iowa State Fair Sky Glider
Tino Wallenda isn't attempting his death defying world record until the last day of the fair, but he flew into town ahead of time just to check things out last year. He walked the length of the sky glider cable at the Arizona state Fair, but that was only 800 ft long. Our sky glider cable is *** whopping 1250 ft long, but only an inch or so in diameter. And Tino plans to balance his way along it from one end to the other, right Over the thousands of fairgoers wandering below, right in the middle of the whole carnival and people walking below you. That doesn't distract, you know, it should be all right. First things first, I'm going to be part of his act. I need to get *** handle on the height involved about 50 ft to be exact what you don't want to do is look down too much sure that you have *** good grip and you don't let go of one hand until you've got *** good grip with the other. I passed that part of the test. So our lesson continues. So we have to put *** rope about every 30 ft. We're almost about wherever gondola is and have people manning the ropes on the ground to keep the wire steady so it doesn't sway back and forth. That's where I come into the picture. This is stabilizing that wire so it doesn't wiggle under my feet. Doesn't think I'm quite ready to walk the wire myself, but proves he does have faith in me. You're keeping that thing from moving under my feet. So you're very *** crucial part of this and my life is going to be in your hands, is in the business of entertainment. He's not really exaggerating my role. His grandfather fell to his death in Puerto rico because the ropes weren't just right and two other Wallendas have died attempting high wire feats. Another is paralyzed. That's why Tino is here today to eliminate any surprises and that's why I'm taking this job very seriously. You already down there. Tino does just as his grandfather taught him as *** five year old, he never takes *** step until he's ready. He never loses his posture and he never looks down as I get closer, you'll find out that you probably need to pull it *** little bit more snug. He also never uses *** net to pull just *** little bit tighter. I think it's *** Wallenda tradition, which makes my job all the more important on the other side and makes me all the more nervous, but we both survive this short practice run and with *** little coordination between now and then and *** little crowd support when it counts. Tino thinks will both be ready come showtime
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KCCI archives: Tightrope walker Tino Wallenda walks cable of Iowa State Fair Sky Glider
In 1999, tightrope walker Tino Wallenda spoke to KCCI ahead of his planned stunt on the Sky Glider cable.Watch the full story in the video above. More Iowa State Fair archives from KCCI.This story is from the KCCI archives. From time to time, we'll share videos spotlighting some of the most impactful, emotional and entertaining storytelling from our decades in the community.KCCI at the 2023 Iowa State FairYou can see KCCI 8 News live at 5 p.m. every weekday during the fair from the MidAmerican Energy Stage. We also have a new booth this year between Fun Forest Stage and the Agriculture Building, where fairgoers will have the chance to sit at the anchor desk and read the news.You can also stream KCCI 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the Very Local app. Click here to download Very Local to your phone.See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.Watch: Viewers try reading the news at the KCCI booth ThursdayWatch: KCCI photographer Glen Biermann sings Friday's National Anthem

In 1999, tightrope walker Tino Wallenda spoke to KCCI ahead of his planned stunt on the Sky Glider cable.

Watch the full story in the video above.

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More Iowa State Fair archives from KCCI.


This story is from the KCCI archives. From time to time, we'll share videos spotlighting some of the most impactful, emotional and entertaining storytelling from our decades in the community.

KCCI at the 2023 Iowa State Fair

You can see KCCI 8 News live at 5 p.m. every weekday during the fair from the MidAmerican Energy Stage. We also have a new booth this year between Fun Forest Stage and the Agriculture Building, where fairgoers will have the chance to sit at the anchor desk and read the news.

You can also stream KCCI 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the Very Local app. Click here to download Very Local to your phone.

See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.

Watch: Viewers try reading the news at the KCCI booth Thursday

Watch: KCCI photographer Glen Biermann sings Friday's National Anthem