Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest

Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest
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Big cats, heat rule on opening day
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July 03, 2003 12:00 am • TIMOTHY SAN PEDRO Of the Tribune staff
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The 21st annual Riverfest started off with a scare rather
than a bang Wednesday as a tiger played a little too hard
with its trainer.
"We started with a little bump and bruise, but we got right
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back on track," said Mike Scheiber, Riverfest media
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director.
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The scare came when tiger trainer Bruno Blaszak was
taken to the ground by Mutes, one of his tigers, at the
opening 12:30 p.m. show.
"I wasn't paying attention, and I didn't realize how close
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(the tiger) was," Blaszak said. "It was my fault. I can't be
mad at the tiger, only at myself."
The injury to Blaszak's right leg, which required
30 to 40 stitches, happened shortly after the start of the
show. About 300 to 400 people - including children, looked
Brunon Blaszak talks with one of his
seven tigers during his 6:30 tiger show
at the La Crosse Riverfest Wednesday.
DANIELLE GARDNER photo
Enlarge Photo
on. Just after the trainer finished his introduction to the
program and released Mutes into the ring, the tiger
charged the trainer, knocked him down and clawed him, drawing blood.
Blaszak was able to get to his feet, and after he and an assistant shouted and banged sticks on
the 12-foot cage, they were able to contain the tiger. Blaszak was then taken to Gundersen
Lutheran Medical Center and treated for cuts.
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Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest
1/22/13 7:00 PM
"Animals bite and claw. It happens," Blaszak said. "I hope that no one was too traumatized."
The initial response from the crowd, Scheiber said, was, "Oh, this is part of the act."
It wasn't until the trainer said, "the show's over," when everybody realized that it was real.
The 2:30 p.m. show was canceled as well, but Blaszak, who said he was a little sore and hobbling,
performed for the crowd at 6:30 p.m. More than 400 attended that performance.
"The show must go on," Blaszak said.
Elsewhere at Riverfest, festival goers searched for ways to combat the mid-day heat that
surpassed 90 degrees.
Along with other parents, Kerry Kjome dipped his feet into the fountain in the park as his two
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children waded to the middle while a thick mist from the seven fountains rained over them.
Yet this activity was quickly halted as the head of security, Christopher Hellesen, got word from the
city that people are prohibited from entering the fountain.
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Should schools be required to teach gun
safety?
"We're just trying to keep people safe," Hellesen said.
As Kjome put his shoes back on, he asked, "Why else would there be a fountain here? Is it just for
Yes
looks?"
No
The heat didn't deter children from playing on the inflatable slides and trampolines and scampering
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through the mazes.
Linda Peterson watched her grandson, Zak Chaouki, 5, smile as he rode a camel and play on the
inflatable fortress.
"He's been looking forward to this," Peterson said. "It's been a good day."
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Mikael Rudolph, a mime, captured the imaginations of more than 30 children and their parents. He
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Yet he couldn't fool all of them.
"Magic isn't real," said David Myer, 7. "There's always an explanation."
His mom didn't mind.
"It's still fun to watch," said Judy Myer.
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Gayda Hollnagel of the Tribune contributed to this report.
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Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest
1/22/13 7:00 PM
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Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest
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Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest
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johncasperjr Only spent a year
covering his team, but enjoyed my
talks with Aquinas FB coach Dan
Coughlin, who is stepping down after
23 years.
2 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
SommerfeldtLAX Dan Coughlin was
just about the most honest coach
you'd ever find. Also the most willing
to adapt that I have ever seen.
#lctsports #wisfb
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SommerfeldtLAX Aquinas fb coach
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Big cats, heat rule on opening day of Riverfest
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