Columbia, S.C. Welcomes Back the Spectacular Untied Circus
Columbia has always been a hub of excitement and fun, but now it’s about to get even more exhilarating! The much-loved South Carolina State Fair is back for its sixth season, and this time, there’s a special theme taking center stage: **Untied Circus**. It’s a fantastic blend of thrill, laughter, and unforgettable performances, and everyone is invited to join in on the fun.
Just What the Circus Needs
The Ringmaster and Producer of the circus, Ian Garden, describes the event as “wonderful and great,” emphasizing that it’s all about bringing joy to the audience. “We love to see the laughs and the look on people’s faces at each and every show,” he said. And who wouldn’t want to experience a performance where you can temporarily escape your everyday life? Ian believes this circus offers just that—a place to let go of worries and simply enjoy the moment.
Meet the Humans of the Cannon
One of the highlights of the Untied Circus is undoubtedly the jaw-dropping act of the human cannonball. Hailing from Indiana, Brian Miser is no ordinary performer; he’s taken the art of being shot from a cannon to a whole new level. Brian shares that his journey began as a child on a trampoline. “I got on that and I was a natural acrobat,” he reminisces. After high school, he made the leap into professional acrobatics where he spent 16 thrilling years mastering the flying trapeze. It was only natural for him to shift gears and build his own cannon.
The Family That Flies Together
But what’s even more fascinating? Brian doesn’t perform solo; his entire family is in on the fun! His partner, Tina Miser, laughingly recalls how Brian’s unique pickup line was, “Hey, I’m building this cannon, do you want to shoot me out of it?” It’s safe to say, that’s an offer you don’t turn down! Alongside Brian and Tina, their daughter Skyler Miser has also embraced the family tradition of being a human cannonball. After about 700 successful launches, Skyler is already carving her own path in the daredevil world.
8000 Shoots Later
Brian has managed to rack up about 8,000 shots from the cannon over his career, and he admits, “the feeling never gets old.” He elaborates, “From that countdown, starting from 5, your heart is just racing. We still feel that anticipation and that rush of adrenaline before we even climb into the barrel.”
Once launched, Brian describes it as “the feeling of complete weightlessness,” comparing it to soaring through the air like a bird—a sensation that’s simply unparalleled.
A Tradition Worth Continuing
As the Untied Circus plans to sweep audiences off their feet this season, Ian Garden emphasizes the importance of keeping this tradition alive. “This is a place where people can go and escape reality,” he explains. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this circus offers an hour to forget it all, laugh, and truly enjoy themselves.
Get Ready for the Fun!
So, whether you’re looking to experience thrilling acts like the human cannonball, enjoy the laughter and antics of other circus performers, or simply enjoy a night out with family and friends, the Untied Circus at the South Carolina State Fair is the place to be! It’s more than just a show; it’s a celebration of joy, talent, and tradition that will surely captivate audiences young and old. So grab your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with laughs and gasps of awe!
