4,000 free tickets for tightrope walk

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NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., May 30 (UPI) -- A few thousand people will get to see tightrope walker Nik Wallenda's stunt above Niagara Falls from the American side of the gorge for free, officials say.

The New York State Parks Commission is allowing people to reserve 4,000 free tickets online at 9 a.m. Friday, The Buffalo News reported Wednesday.

"We are pleased that Gov. [Andrew M.] Cuomo has allowed us to offer spectators a chance to witness history at no charge," State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said in a statement.

Niagara Falls State Park is free and open to the public June 15, the day of the tightrope walk, but because it will take place across the Horseshoe Falls in Canada, there is limited suitable viewing on the American side of the falls. Those with tickets will be allowed to view the walk from Terrapin Point on Goat Island and Prospect Point, the newspaper said.

Canadian officials said they expect between 60,000 to 100,000 viewers on their park land for the event.

Wallenda, 33, is a seventh-generation member of the legendary Flying Wallendas circus performing family. His tightrope walk is to take place about 10 p.m., though other daredevil-related family and children's activities will take place earlier in the day throughout Niagara Falls, N.Y.