Dane Posted June 17, 2008 Posted June 17, 2008 Kings Island Does It Again! Grandson of Karl Wallenda looks to surpass grandfather's famous 1974 park feat with two death-defying high wire walks as part of the biggest July 4 bash in Kings Island history Get ready for one of the most thrilling days of the summer, as Kings Island does it again with another history making event on the Fourth of July. Thirty-four years ago, in 1974, the late, great legendary high wire walker Karl Wallenda successfully completed a 1,800-foot skywalk at Kings Island, setting a world's distance record. On Independence Day, park visitors will have an opportunity to witness history as the grandson of Wallenda, Rick Wallenda, will try to surpass his grandfather's famous park feat with two death-defying skywalks at Kings Island. Wallenda will first attempt a spectacular skywalk 112-foot above ground on 5/8-inch cable that will start at the Eiffel Tower, go over the Royal Fountain (which, by the way, is longer than a football field) as it shoots 10,000 gallons of water into the air, and end at the flagpole outside the front gate, covering a total distance of more than 900 feet! The first walk is at 2pm. Later in the day at 7pm, Wallenda will look to make history as he attempts to walk an incredible distance of 2,000 feet through International Street. No safety nets or harnesses will be used by Wallenda on either of his skywalks – the only way a Wallenda will perform. Wallenda's record-breaking attempt comes on the heels of one of the most talked about events of the year, when daredevil "Kaptain" Robbie Knievel, son of the late Evel Knievel, successfully jumped over 24 Coke Zero trucks May 24 at Kings Island, the site of one of his father's most famous stunts. The Fourth of July at Kings Island will also include a spectacular air show, sky divers, special appearances by Hanna Barbera characters and the Clown Band, and the largest fireworks display in the 36-year history of the park. "With all the exciting events we have planned for the Fourth of July, Kings Island is a great place for families to celebrate the holiday," said Greg Scheid, Kings Island's vice president and general manager. You can read more about the Wallendas on their website http://www.wallenda.com Quote
flightoffear1996 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Wow. Sounds like anohter great day at the park. Quote
BoddaH1994 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 One of many surprises scheduled for that day. :-) Quote
BavarianBeatle Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 He should walk from the top of Drop Tower to the Eiffel Tower....... Quote
Cody Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 He should walk from the top of Drop Tower to the Eiffel Tower....... I would pay for everyones ticket that day to go see that! Quote
Avatar Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Disney recently announced their special events planned for the July 4th celebration and attached a photo of Mickey dressed very patriotic. May we look forward to a photo of D Helbig dressed patriotic too? Quote
Colonel_SoB_fan Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 One of many surprises scheduled for that day. :-) Could there be an "Special announcement" about future rides that day, or maybe even better track being raised and put in place? Quote
BoddaH1994 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 One of many surprises scheduled for that day. :-) Could there be an "Special announcement" about future rides that day, or maybe even better track being raised and put in place? Probably not. Quote
CoastersRZ Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 No, I would not count on any mention or developments with regards to the 2009 developments to occur on the Fourth of July. But I trust there will be other highly exciting developments with regards to the Fourth of July celebrations at Kings Island that have not yet been announced. But who can seriously go wrong with another HB 70s extravaganza, not to mention a second return this season of the Kings Island Clown Band (known as the Kings of Komedy back in their heyday). Quote
iChase Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 I'm looking forward to this. Sign me up! I'll be there all day! Quote
MarketingExpress Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 I wouldn't expect an announcement of any kind for a future new attraction until late August just before the park goes back to weekends only. Quote
flightoffear1996 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 ^ I agree but hopefully we will be able to tell what type the ride will be before then. Quote
cstrwomann Posted June 21, 2008 Posted June 21, 2008 Does the rides close early due to fireworks? I know the last time I visited on the 4th of July it was really crowded and they closed the rides for fireworks. I want to go out there in July maybe I'll wait until after the 4th of July to go to the park. Quote
The Interpreter Posted June 21, 2008 Posted June 21, 2008 Rides close during the fireworks...on the 4th of July or any other day. And you are going to miss out on one heck of a celebration should you decide to miss the 4th. It's a nostalgia thing, doncha know? Quote
WooferBearATL Posted June 21, 2008 Posted June 21, 2008 Rides close during the fireworks...on the 4th of July or any other day. And you are going to miss out on one heck of a celebration should you decide to miss the 4th. It's a nostalgia thing, doncha know? Fear Not! That's how I felt after the auction this week. All we have left are our memories of the good times we had at GL. I will be taking a break from CF parks this year until I get over the loss of GL. It appears that cstrwomann is taking a break from CF parks. Quote
markr Posted June 21, 2008 Posted June 21, 2008 The high wire act brings back memories of the great arial acts that they used to have along the old coney midway. I would like to see these kind of acts regularly at KI. Quote
BoddaH1994 Posted June 22, 2008 Posted June 22, 2008 There's more to come at KI this year. I talked to Don a few days ago and he mentioned that after the 4th of July, they'll start working on the next thing, but wouldn't tell me what it is. Keep posted. Quote
Avatar Posted June 23, 2008 Posted June 23, 2008 Great to hear, these special events are just the type of activities that keep us season pass holders coming back. A couple years ago on the 4th of July PKI had an Elvis Pressley impersonator that sang at the Royal Fountain Stage and the crowd loved it. I not the biggest fan but I haft to say watching the crowd and the impersonator interacting with the crowd was very entertaining and fun. Now for my question; will KI have an Elvis Pressley Impersonator this year for the 4th of July festivities? I think it would fit in nicely with the nostalgic theme this year. Quote
Colonel_SoB_fan Posted June 23, 2008 Posted June 23, 2008 It seems I will not be able to attend this event as I will be in the City of Hamilton 4th of July Parade. So I will need photos and video of the event Quote
thatbandguy8807 Posted June 28, 2008 Posted June 28, 2008 wow...i was planning on going anyways that day..but this is a nice plus to the day!!!! WOOOHOOO now i really cant wait lol Quote
BavarianBeatle Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 It seems I will not be able to attend this event as I will be in the City of Hamilton 4th of July Parade. So I will need photos and video of the event I'm from Hamilton, so I can tell you that photos of many of the people at that parade would be "entertaining" as well, just in a different way. But the kids and I will be there on the 4th. Sounds like it will be a fun day. Quote
Cory Butcher Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 I might be there. I want to be, my Birthday is the day before so it could be a fun day at the park, If I don't have to work on the 4th. There certainly is no shortage of things to do. Quote
KIfan73 Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 Did anyone else get their KI e-newsletter today? It mentions another really cool thing they've added for the 4th... Quote
Colonel_SoB_fan Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 ^ Please be a announcement about future "rides" in 09 Edit: Nevermind I just saw the email Quote
DeLorean Rider Posted June 30, 2008 Posted June 30, 2008 If anyone ends up going to the Montgomery parade take pictures of the DeLoreans for me. I was supposed to drive but being in flordia makes that a little difficult. I also cannot believe that I'm going to miss the KI festivities. Oh well; Magic Kingdom has one hell of a show for the 4th this year. They're not doing wishes this whole week and doing their 4th of july perimeter fireworks instead. Quote
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