Columbia Welcomes Back the Untied Circus!
Columbia, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as the South Carolina State Fair brings back the extravaganza that is the Untied Circus for its sixth consecutive season. This year’s delightful theme is set to tickle the funny bones and ignite the imaginations of all who attend. Ian Garden, the Ringmaster and Producer of the circus, joyfully shares, “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.”
A World of Talent
This isn’t just any circus; it’s a showcase of remarkable talent from all over the globe. One standout act is a thrilling human cannonball from Indiana, Brian Miser. “I had a trampoline as a kid, I got on that and I was a natural acrobat,” Brian recalls with a twinkle in his eye. After spending 16 years in flying trapeze, he decided to take an exhilarating leap—literally—into building a cannon and becoming a human cannonball.
But Brian isn’t flying solo in this exciting adventure. His wife, Tina Miser, beams with pride as she mentions that the entire family is part of this daring act. “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 laughs, recalling how their lives became forever intertwined through circus magic.
A Next Generation of Cannonballs
The tradition of being a human cannonball doesn’t stop with Brian and Tina. Their daughter, Skyler, is now following in her parents’ cannonball footsteps. “She’s got about 700 shots under her belt right now,” Tina said, bursting with pride as she gazes at her daughter. With Brian boasting around 8,000 shots from the cannon, it’s clear that this family of daredevils embraces the exhilarating rush that comes along with their bold performances.
The Thrill of Launching
What does it feel like to fly through the air at high speeds? The Misers can certainly tell you. Brian describes it as a heart-pounding experience, stating, “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.” As they prepare for their daring launch, the excitement and the hope of a successful jump fill the air. “That feeling of complete weightlessness, like you’re soaring through the air like a bird, and it’s like no other feeling,” Brian adds, allowing us to imagine the unique experience only a human cannonball can know.
More Than Just Entertainment
Beyond the thrilling acts, Ian Garden hopes the Untied Circus becomes a cherished escape for those attending. “This is a place where people can go and escape reality, and the day-to-day problems,” he points out. Attending the circus is more than just watching an impressive show; it’s an opportunity to unwind, laugh, and immerse oneself in a world of wonders. “They can come in here for an hour and just forget about everything and enjoy the heck out of themselves,” Ian emphasizes, echoing the wonderful sentiment shared by many.
No doubt, the Untied Circus at the South Carolina State Fair is set to be a spectacular hit this season, bringing smiles and laughter as families come together to witness extraordinary feats and breathtaking performances. Tickets are selling fast, so if you’re in Columbia, grab yours soon. The circus is waiting!
