Abby Baker
Staff Intern
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, welcome to the greatest show on earth — right here, at the Florida Strawberry Festival. For the first time in festival history, an aerial and acrobatics act that focuses on feats of the human body will grace the grounds three times daily.
Circus Incredible, a Wallenda entertainment act, will go on at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for the 11-day festival. The high-flying act stars mother and daughter Rietta and Lyric Wallenda and Lyric’s husband, Simon Arestov. The world-famous Wallenda family is best known for its daredevil stunt performances on high wires — minus the net.
“The name (Wallenda) has a lot of credibility and raw talent,” said Lauren McNair, Florida Strawberry Festival media director. “Kids, adults, everyone can enjoy this, and we want this to be royal fun for everyone.”
Though the Wallenda family has twirled through all 50 states and traveled out of the country, they have yet to set foot in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. And while the festival has had gymnasts perform in past years, Circus Incredible is the first aerial and acrobatics act that focuses on airborne artistry and unbelievable balancing skills.
“I’ve come up in this area and passed by Plant City, but this is our first time visiting,” Lyric Wallenda. “We are very excited.”
SEVEN GENERATIONS
The Wallenda’s seven-generation circus legacy dates back to 1929.
When the Wallenda family first came to the United States, they were quickly recruited by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Family member Nik Wallenda has walked across the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.
After decades of performing for various circus troupes, the Wallendas started Circus Incredible three years ago. Rietta Wallenda, Lyric Wallenda and Simon Arestov occasionally bring other famed family members on their act.
“This is our livelihood,” Lyrica said. “We are entertainers. I wouldn’t want any other job.”
Today, the family is spread among the United States, with Rietta Wallenda, Lyric Wallenda and Simon Arestov residing in Sarasota for part of the year and spending the remaining time performing throughout the nation.
“The family has a long history of entertaining people for generations,” said Paul Davis, the general manager of the Strawberry Festival. “We try to bring something new, fresh and exciting every year to that center spot, and we felt they fit the bill.”
MEET THE PERFORMERS
Rietta Wallenda
Mother to Lyric, Rietta began her affiliation with the high wire at age 13 in New Orleans. The performer has tested her talents in balance, acrobatics and on the sway pole. She performed with many of her family members before settling into the act with Circus Incredible.
Lyric Wallenda
The 31-year-old performer is Rietta’s daughter and aerial partner. Born and raised in the circus, Lyric began performing at age 5. When given the choice of college or performance, the Sarasota native chose the latter to be with her family and have a life of adventure.
“When my classmates were reading about places in books, I had already visited them,” she said.
Simon Arestov
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Arestov is a second-generation circus performer. A specialist in balancing acts, Arestov is also Lyric’s husband of 13 years. When they were 18, they met on tour at the same circus and clicked. The couple is planning on starting a family soon.