NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. - American aerialist Nik Wallenda says he felt like a kid on Christmas morning when the tightrope wire went up ahead of his planned walk across Niagara Falls.
Speaking to reporters on the Ontario side of the falls Wednesday, Wallenda said "it's almost game time" and he's "very prepared" for the walk on Friday night, which is being broadcast live on ABC TV and CTV.
When asked what’s driving him to attempt a feat no one has done before, Wallenda said simply, “it’s Niagara Falls.”
“It’s one of the most beautiful, natural wonders in the world,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want to walk across it if they’re a tightrope walker? There’s not one tightrope walker out there...that wouldn’t dream of accomplishing what I’m going to be accomplishing in a couple days.”
ABC is insisting Wallenda wear a safety harness that will be attached to the wire beneath him, but Wallenda said it will not help him stay on the wire.
“The only thing it does is guarantee that I cannot plummet to my death,” he said.
Wallenda had earlier estimated the walk will cost about $1.2 million to $1.3 million, including fabrication and installation of the custom-made steel wire, permits and security on both sides of the border, travel, and marketing.
He had said his deal with ABC to televise the event would offset some of his expenses, but nowhere near all of it.
When asked about money Wednesday, the 33-year-old Wallenda said “things are coming along well, we had a lot of people step up.”
Wallenda is scheduled to attempt the walk from the American to the Canadian side of the falls at 10:20 p.m. ET.
He spoke with reporters after holding a one-hour meet and greet with fans in Niagara Falls, Ont.
Dozens of people lined up with posters for him to sign.
"He's inspirational," said Jacob Lacroix, 10. "I don't think anyone else could do that."
Wallenda will meet again with fans on Thursday.
The Niagara Falls Parks Commission expects 120,000 people to gather on the Ontario side of the falls when he attempts his walk.
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