Columbia, S.C. Welcomes the Untied Circus
There’s a buzz in the air as the South Carolina State Fair is back with a sparkle and a roar. For its sixth season, the circus has officially arrived, and it’s all about the Untied Circus. This year, audiences can expect a delightful showcase of talent from around the globe, featuring some of the most daring acts that you definitely won’t want to miss.
The Magic Behind the Ringmaster
Steering the ship is none other than the charismatic Ringmaster and Producer, Ian Garden, who shares his philosophy on what makes the circus so special. “It’s wonderful and it’s great, and it’s what it’s all about,” he beams. His passion shines through every performance as he explains how his team loves to see the joy on people’s faces. “We love to see the laughs, and the look on people’s face at each and every show,” he adds excitedly.
A Family Affair: The Miser Clan
One such jaw-dropping act comes courtesy of the human cannonball family from Indiana, the Misers. Brian Miser, the star of the cannon act, recalls how his journey into the world of acrobatics began. “I had a trampoline as a kid, I got on that and I was a natural acrobat,” Brian reminisces. After years of training and performing on the flying trapeze, he decided to innovate his act by building a cannon, and that drastically changed his life.
To top it all off, Brian isn’t the only one who takes to the skies. His wife, Tina Miser, also performs the act. “His pickup line for me was, hey, I’m building this cannon, do you want to shoot me out of it?” Tina chuckles as she recounts that unforgettable moment. What a way to catch someone’s interest!
Next Generation of Daredevils
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Their daughter, Skyler Miser, is also following in her parents’ footsteps, making the family a true act to remember. “Second generation human cannonball, she’s got about 700 shots under her belt right now,” Tina says with pride. Brian himself has launched from that cannon an impressive 8,000 times, and both parents agree—it never gets old. “From that countdown, from 5, your heart is just racing,” Brian describes the thrill, which still sends chills down his spine every time.
The Irreplaceable Feeling of Flight
The rush of flying through the air is something Brian says, “is impossible to replicate.” He adds, “That feeling of complete weightlessness, like you’re soaring through the air like a bird, it’s like no other feeling.” It’s a thrill that keeps them coming back, year after year, pushing the boundaries of their acts and taking the audience along for the ride.
A Haven of Joy
As Ian Garden puts it, the circus is about much more than just flashy performances; it’s a chance for the audience to escape their daily lives. “This is a place where people can go and escape reality, and the day-to-day problems,” he emphasizes. “They can come in here for an hour and just forget about everything and enjoy the heck out of themselves.”
The excitement, the artistry, and the sheer fun of the Untied Circus promise a spectacular show for every visitor. So gather your friends and family, pack your sense of wonder, and head out to the South Carolina State Fair for an experience filled with laughter and memories that will last a lifetime!
