Wallenda Tightrope Walk Date Announced

ALBANY, NY (05/02/2012)(readMedia)-- Famed aerialist Nik Wallenda, along with The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to officially announce the much anticipated date of his tightrope walk across the Niagara Gorge on a high wire.

Wallenda, who obtained approval from both U.S. and Canadian officials to attempt this feat, plans to cross the Niagara Gorge on Friday, June 15, beginning at 9 p.m. Wallenda will make the approximate 550-metre (1,800-foot) crossing above the world-renowned Horseshoe Falls.

In announcing the walk, Wallenda stated, "This has been a dream of mine ever since I saw Niagara Falls for the first time when I was six years old. I fully expect this to be only the beginning of my life long relationship with Niagara Falls."

According to NPC Chair Janice Thomson, "Given Niagara's storied history with stunting and daredevil attempts, it is appropriate that Niagara Falls serve as the backdrop for this event; one which pays tribute to the individuals and performances of long ago, while highlighting Niagara Parks' ongoing role as one of the world's leading tourism destinations. This event will allow NPC and our colleagues at the New York State Park to showcase our world-class venues and inspire all those who wish to make Niagara their vacation destination of choice."

"New York State Parks welcomes Mr. Wallenda to the historic Niagara Falls State Park for an event that will capture the imagination of people around the world," said Rose Harvey, New York State Parks Commissioner. "We look forward to working with Mr. Wallenda and our partners in the Niagara Falls region to make June 15 a successful day and to highlight this natural wonder."

Wallenda's tightrope walk is expected to draw more than 120,000 people between both Parks to witness the event firsthand. A major American television network will broadcast Wallenda's historic high wire walk live, enabling millions of viewers to watch worldwide.

Members of the media wishing to cover Nik Wallenda's high wire walk in Canada will need to arrange accreditation with The Niagara Parks Commission. For further details about the event and accreditation, please go to www.niagaraparksmedia.com.

For media accreditation in the U.S., please contact Angela Berti at angela.berti@parks.ny.gov.

About The Niagara Parks Commission:

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.

About New York State Parks:

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites, including Niagara Falls State Park, America's oldest state park. New York State Parks include over 350,000 acres, with activities as varied as our natural resources. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456, visit www.nysparks.com, or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

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For more information, please contact:

Kirsten Schubert

DSW Entertainment

kschubert@dswent.com

(212) 974-5322

Tony Baldinelli

Acting Director, Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations

The Niagara Parks Commission

tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com

(905) 356-2241 Ext. 220

Angela P. Berti, APR

Western District Marketing and Public Affairs Coordinator

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

angela.berti@parks.ny.gov

(716) 278-1764