Columbia, S.C. Gears Up for the Thrilling Return of the ‘Untied Circus’ at the State Fair

Columbia, S.C. Welcomes Back the Exciting ‘Untied Circus’

Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with anticipation as the much-loved South Carolina State Fair proudly presents the sixth season of its thrilling circus themed “Untied Circus.” With a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and awe, this year’s performance is set to dazzle audiences of all ages!

Behind the Curtain of Circus Magic

The Ringmaster and Producer of the circus, Ian Garden, explains the importance of this event in bringing joy to the community. “It’s wonderful and it’s great, and it’s what it’s all about. We love to see the laughs, and the look on people’s faces at each and every show,” he shared with a bright smile. This sentiment clearly resonates with the entire cast, which showcases a spectacular array of talent from across the globe.

Meet the Human Cannonballs

One of the standout acts this season features a family of human cannonballs from Indiana. The main attraction, Brian Miser, shared his incredible journey from a kid who loved jumping on a trampoline to a professional performer. “I had a trampoline as a kid, I got on that and I was a natural acrobat. After graduating high school, I went professional and learned flying trapeze,” Brian reminisced. After 16 years in flying trapeze, he decided to build a cannon and pursue this thrilling act.

But Brian isn’t flying solo in this daring performance. His wife, Tina Miser, has also joined him in this heart-pounding adventure. “His pickup line for me was, hey, I’m building this cannon, do you want to shoot me out of it? So, that is not an offer a girl can turn down,” Tina laughed as she recalled their unconventional meeting.

The family legacy doesn’t stop there! Their daughter, Skyler, is following in her parent’s daring footsteps. “She’s a second-generation human cannonball, and she’s got about 700 shots under her belt right now,” Tina said with pride swelling in her voice. Can you imagine the thrill of performing such an audacious act?

The Thrill of the Launch

With around 8,000 shots taken from the cannon by Brian, both parents share that the exhilarating feeling of the launch never seems to fade. “From that countdown, from 5, your heart is just racing. We still have that anticipation and that rush of adrenaline that starts to happen before we even climb in that barrel,” Brian explained. They can’t help but feel a rush of excitement every single time.

Tina added, “That feeling of complete weightlessness like you’re soaring through the air like a bird and it’s like no other feeling,” perfectly capturing the essence of what it means to be a human cannonball. It is a sensation that they both cherish and love sharing with their audience each performance.

A Place for Escape

As Ian Garden emphasizes, the circus has always been about bringing happiness and creating memories for all who attend. “This is a place where people can go and escape reality, and the day-to-day problems. They can come in here for an hour and just forget about everything and enjoy the heck out of themselves,” he said.

So gather your family and friends, and head to the South Carolina State Fair to experience the spectacular Untied Circus. With magic, laughter, and a hint of danger in the air, it promises to be an unforgettable ride for everyone!