Tino Wallenda is now the “patriarch” leader of the “Flying Wallendas.” His family has a long history of performing all over the world in high wire walking, including their famed “seven-person chair pyramid.” He and his family – children and grandchildren — perform annually in “Circus Flora” (in 2014 until June 22) of St. Louis, MO.
As of this writing, the St. Louis news media just announced that Tino Wallenda will do high-wire walking at “Fair St. Louis” (2014), a part of the St. Louis and-mid-America’s large celebration of Independence Day.
Much more about Tino and his family can be seen at www.wallenda.com. Give attention to: “Find out about Tino & his life changing experiences.” Titled "He Found Me," it is an article reproduced from Decision Magazine, a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
A brief and fascinating history of the Wallenda performers — including some tragedies — can be traced as far back as 1780. Click on http://www.wallenda.com/index.php/wallendas-history .
Examples: “In 1944, the Wallendas were performing when the greatest tragedy in circus history took place, the Hartford Fire. As the blaze started, they heard the first screams and saw the flames ripping through the bleachers. One by one, they slid down the ropes and out to safety. Over 168 people lost their lives in the fire, not to mention the many animals that were lost. — On January 30, 1962, while performing at the State Fair Coliseum in Detroit, the front man on the wire faltered and the pyramid collapsed. Three men fell to the ground, the rear anchorman alone remained standing on the wire. Karl and his brother Herman fell to the wire from the second level. The girl at the top level landed on Karl as he miraculously held her until a makeshift net could be held beneath her. Two of the three men who fell to the earth died that night. The third, Karl’s son Mario, survived, though he is paralyzed from the waist down. The girl suffered a concussion. Karl’s injuries included a cracked pelvis and a double hernia. In the midst of such a great tragedy, the Wallendas exhibited "the show must go on" tradition in the highest possible manner by performing the very next evening! …”
While in St. Louis each year, Tino visits Sunday morning worship in Sutter Presbyterian Church, led by his longtime friend, Pastor William J. “Bill” McConkey. Tino shares his inspirational story of the life change Jesus Christ has brought to him.
Earlier brief radio visits with Tino can be accessed. One is titled “Tino Wallenda, leader of world famous high-wire ‘Flying Wallendas’ tells how to have peace with God. “ The other: "Tino ‘Flying’ Wallenda performs with the St. Louis Symphony; tells How to have Peace with God! “ Simply click on http://haroldhendrick.com/content/view/406/5/ and http://haroldhendrick.com/content/view/352/5/ respectively.
Tino laughs when I remind him of the grumpy dad in TV’s “Everybody Loves Raymond” exclaiming: “I don’t give a Flying Wallenda!” (Whatever that means!) He has a recording of it.