‘Cirque du Grove’ offers free fun for the Fourth

Renowned funambulist Will Scott juggles on slack rope. Photo by Ashley Chase

Will Soto takes a deep breath and perfects his footing trying not to look down at the dozens of people who watch him as he balances a slack rope and the 7 feet of air below his feet.

The energetic wire walker from Key West has been mesmerizing crowds from the Caribbean to Europe with his ability to walk the tight rope, the tight wire and what he calls “the hardest of them all” – the slack rope. And over the Fourth of July weekend, Soto brought his stunts to Grand Avenue and Virginia Street for Coconut Grove’s first-ever “Cirque du Grove: A Busker’s Carnival.”

“We wanted to create an all-weekend celebration for the Fourth of July,” said Richard Issa, special events coordinator for the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, the producers of the free event that heralds Great Britain’s 1860s when “buskers” – performers and musicians – entertained audiences for tips or just to socialize.

“With new stores, restaurants and the new movie theater opened, we wanted to take this opportunity to invite people back into the Grove and show them all the great things we have to offer,” Issa added.

Soto and a collection of other street performers sprung into action July 2 – July 3 with their daring wire-walking acts, death defying fire routines and heart-pounding acrobatics on July 3.  Festival goers also enjoyed magicians, face painters, balloon artists and stilt walkers. But it was Soto who was drawing the stares early Saturday afternoon.

“I do it all,” said Soto, drawing crowds around him with his boisterous laugh and the crack of a whip. “How many 63-year-old acrobats do you know?”

Elisa Varela, on vacation from Mexico City with her two children, applauded Soto’s balancing act.

“There’s excitement everywhere, the performances are amazing,” Varela said. It reminds me so much of the festivals we have at home.””

Issa said Cirque du Grove’s circus-style acts and creative activities are instrumental in supporting the ongoing revitalization of Coconut Grove.

“When is the last time you have heard of a circus in the middle of Coconut Grove?”  Issa asked. “It’s perfect for families who are looking to spend quality time with each other and not break the bank. This is what makes it unique as only the Grove can.”

Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose district includes Coconut Grove, expressed his excitement over the free and festive holiday weekend. The Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, chaired by Sarnoff, seeks to improve the Grove’s retail and commercial hub via marketing efforts and special events.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone- from the city of Miami and the BID to merchants and residents – work together to create an event that spans an entire weekend and invites the community to support and enjoy themselves in Coconut Grove,” Sarnoff said.