Wallenda Siblings To Attempt First Criss Cross Skywalk At UTC Holiday Event

SARASOTA, FL — The Wallenda siblings will attempt the first Criss Cross Skywalk Saturday evening at the University Town Center holiday kickoff event.

The festivities, which kick off at 4 p.m., include live music and performances, a tribute to veterans, a parade and Santa’s arrival, a tree lighting, fireworks, and an after-party concert with We The Kings.

Aerialists — and Sarasota natives — Nik and Lijana Wallenda’s historic Criss Cross Skywalk attempt comes at 6 p.m. as the centerpiece to the evening’s event as the UTC 50-foot Christmas tree is lit for the first time this holiday season.

“We wanted to do something different,” Nik told Patch. “We researched it and no one has ever done it where they crossed cables rather than just one cable. And we’re doing it 180 feet up in the air. We’ll start on different sides and cross paths very close to the top of the tree.”

It was important that the siblings attempt this feat, which would set a world record, in their hometown.

“We can do this anywhere in the world, but for me, we love Sarasota, and we wanted to do it here,” Nik said. “It’s exciting. The way my mind always works is how can we do something different and unique, not the same old?”

Saturday’s record attempt is especially meaningful because it marks Lijana’s first performance in Sarasota since a 2017 high-wire fall during rehearsals, which saw her plummet about 40 feet and left her with life-threatening injuries.

“Statistically that should have taken her life, but she survived and got back on the wire and has performed since — just not here at home,” her brother said. “It’s her passion to perform and entertain.”

The Wallendas’ performance on Saturday also signals the start of LECOM presents “Wonderland: Believe,” the family’s high-wire holiday spectacular under the big top at UTC.

“We themed it ‘believe’ because it’s all about believing in yourself,” Nik said, adding that his Lijana’s headlining appearance at the holiday show inspired this year’s theme. “It’s about believing you have a second chance and my sister is a face of that to many people around the world.”

She does corporate and motivational speaking events when she’s not performing high-wire acts.
Created by Nik and Erendira Wallenda, this year’s “Wonderland” holiday showcase takes place under their new, custom-built, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled tent and features awe-inspiring stunts, music, and theatrics.

The show brings some closure to the family following Lijana’s accident, Nik added.

“Every time my sister performs with me, it’s emotional,” he said. “The reality sets in that she could have lost her life that day on the wire, and the fact that she’s still here with us and able to perform is very special.”