Family of 3 amazes at fair
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BAZETTA -- The Circus Incredible family of three received a standing ovation after visiting the Trumbull County Fair and finishing difficult stunts on Friday.
During their evening performance, the father and equilibrist of the group, Simon Arestov, introduced himself with some jokes, and asked the crowd, "Are you ready for the circus?" Not too long after, his wife, Lyric, the acrobat, joined from the backdrop to begin twirling hula-hoops and metal batons.
The introductory tricks were mild compared to the rest of the act as Simon went from twirling an empty metal cube, to hoisting his wife, by rope, to reach a gymnast ring hovering 18 feet above the crowd.
Lyric impressed the audience with a multitude of spins and flips, in and out of the aerial hoop. One of the moves she finished on the hoop -- the tornado neck spin -- is known for its extreme danger, and Lyric, a seventh generation member of the world famous Flying Wallenda family, is one of a few women in the country who can pull it off.
Simon, a second-generation circus performer, gained his applause for completing a balancing act in four different stages.
He began with balancing on a simple metal plant, rolling above a cylinder and topping a 5-foot stool.
As he transitioned through obstacles, Simon ended with five layers of sculpted tin, including three rolling cylinders, below the thin and shaky platform, and adding three more feet to the stool.
During the penultimate act, Alexander, the couple's 5-year-old son, stood atop Simon's shoulders at the top of the pyramid.
Spectators seemed to enjoy the act as they clapped after every stunt and stood in line for photos and autographs afterward.
The family is based in Sarasota, Fla., and travels during the summer, usually from June to October, Simon said.
"My wife and I grew up doing fairs and festivals, and so we want to continue the tradition, and even have our kids do the same thing. So, we do about 12 to 18 fairs in the summertime," he said.
Circus Incredible will be performing three shows per day at the fair through Sunday.
In addition to the circus, the Ohio State Tractor Pullers Association amused its fans amid clouds of engine smoke. Each driver is tasked with reaching the finishing line, but many drivers face problems with engine failure and insufficient parts every year.
Josh Morgan watched over 30 competitors test their chosen tractor's strength. The winner of the competition would be awarded cash and a sponsorship.