The World Famous Wallendas return to Michigan to perform at the Shrine Circus, 2013 Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair!

NOVI, Mich., Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The most famous family in circus history, the Wallendas, will bring an all-new troupe of performers to Metro Detroit on Labor Day Weekend for the Shrine Circus, presented by Bright House at the Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair! Rick Wallenda, eldest grandson of founders, Karl and Helen, will proudly present his troupe of daredevils, in a rare local performance since the family appeared at the 1962 Michigan State Fair. The Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair is Friday, August 30-Monday, September 2, at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave in Novi, 248.348.5600 www.MichiganStateFairLLC.com

The Wallenda's 1962 performance during the Shrine Circus at the Michigan State Fair Coliseum was marked by tragedy. During a performance of their famed seven-person chair pyramid, a man on the wire faltered and the pyramid collapsed. Three men fell to the ground, killing Richard Faughnan, son-in-law of founder Karl Wallenda; and nephew Dieter Schepp. Karl injured his pelvis, and his adopted son, Mario, was also injured.

"Our family is honored to be returning to Michigan, and looking very forward to introducing our new troupe to all at the Michigan State Fair. Thanks so much to the Detroit Shriners for inviting us!" says Rick Wallenda.

Just returning from the inaugural tour of Cirque Musica arena tour, the Wallendas will present their new troupe. Touring world-wide, the Wallenda troupe is still led by Rick Wallenda. Wallenda has performed on three continents during his forty-year career, and on more than one occasion participated in a recreation of their trademark gigantic seven-person-pyramid. As the patriarch, he leads the troupe to each destination, as his grandfather Karl once led the fabled original group.

The original family patriarch, Karl Wallenda, was born in Germany in 1905 to an ancient circus family, and began performing at the age of 6. While still in his teens he answered an ad for a "hand balancer with courage". His subsequent employer schooled him well in the role of circus performer. In 1922, Karl put together his own act with his brother Herman, Joseph Geiger, and a teenage girl, Helen Kreis, who eventually became his wife and current family troupe leader Rick Wallenda's grandmother.

The act toured Europe for several years, performing some amazing stunts. When John Ringling saw them perform in Cuba, he quickly hired them to perform at the world famous Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 1928, they debuted to rave reviews at the Madison Square Garden and the crowd gave them a standing ovation.

SOURCE Suburban Collection Showplace