Ichabod Wainwright, also known as the Wheel Walker, risks his life by leaping and flipping on the wooden structure that is the world’s first and only of its kind at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI in Tampa.
TAMPA – The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is distinguished by having an eclectic array of entertainment, and this year has introduced one of the most dangerous and dynamic acts yet. The new Wheel of Death has intrigued and captured attention with death-defying stunts, tricks and more.
Ichabod Wainwright, also known as the Wheel Walker, risks his life by leaping and flipping on the wooden structure that is the world’s first and only of its kind. Built by Wainwright himself, the Wheel of the Death is constructed of wood and steel and has a peak height of 30 feet. Nothing will frighten the fearless Wainwright as he spins and twists above, inside, and under the wooden structure three stories high. His daring and dangerous stunts will amaze and amuse you and keep you wanting more.
Born into the circus, Ichabod Wainwright and his family are from Florida and have performed in more shows that you can count, including the Shrine Circus, Kelly Miller Circus, Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars and others. He first found inspiration for his act four years ago from a fellow entertainer who performed a wheel act and was the human cannon for the Cole Bros.
When he first started designing his structure, many people told him it was not possible to be built out of wood, but Wainwright was determined to succeed. He proved his skeptics wrong by completing his wooden Wheel of Death, that is the first and only of its kind.
Its natural components are what allow it to blend perfectly with the ambiance of the Renaissance Festival. His construction of the Wheel of Death began in November of 2010 and took about a year to finish. He has been practicing and performing on the completed structure for a little over a year now and as he continues to practice, new stunts are perfected each week.
Wainwright starts his show off with various hand balancing, chair stacking, juggling, and of course comedy to first capture his audience. When he jumps on his Wheel of Death and begins to spin and twist mid-air, it is now that the audience begins to gasp and be amazed by his daring acrobatic stunts. His newest trick involves a 180 degree spin while inside the wheel as it slices through the air. Only at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival can you watch Ichabod Wainwright perform daily on the Wheel of Death in the Royal Mews at 11 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival continues through April 7. The Festival is open weekends, with a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, March 22.
The Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. rain or shine. Admission at the gate: Adults $18.95; Children age 5 to12 $10.95. Children age 4 and under admitted free.
Free parking is provided by James Rivard Buick GMC. Discount tickets are available at participating Circle K and Walgreens stores, at MOSI, or online at www.BayAreaRenaissanceFest.com.
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