Watch Wallenda's canyon cross at a Sarasota soiree

   People all around the world will be watching on June 23 as Nik Wallenda traverses the Grand Canyon on a tightrope.
   It'll be a bigger celebration in Bradenton and Sarasota than almost anywhere else, as the area watches its local hero make history once again.
   One great place watch will be on Lemon Avenue in Sarasota at the second annual "Wallenda - Beyond Belief Viewing and Street Party" sponsored by Mattison's City Grille and Circus Sarasota.
   Wallenda is preparing to walk about 1,500 feet -- more than a quarter-mile -- across the canyon. He'll be about 1,500 feet off the ground. (For reference, the Empire State Building is 1,434 feet tall.)

Wallenda walks the wire

   Last year, Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls at a height of 200 feet. He was wearing a safety harness then, at the insistence of the network that aired the event. This time he won't be.
   The party's free and open to the public. It's set for 7-11 p.m. Sunday, June 23,  on Lemon Avenue between Main Street and First Avenue, in front of Mattison's.
   Besides a Jumbotron video screen that will show live coverage of the walk, the party will feature circus activities, street vendors, a raffle and a live auction.
   A VIP area offers reserved seating and a three-course menu from Mattison's. VIP tickets are $100 per person or $1000 for a table of eight. For VIP tickets, contact the Circus Sarasota Development Office at 941-355-9335 or mark@circussarasota.org. More details are online at www.mattisons.com or www.circussarasota.org.