First Sarasota Church hosts Good Friday in Payne Park with special guest

The Downtown Baptist Church will present Good Friday in Payne Park in Sarasota (2010 Adams Lane), a free community event featuring an inspirational message and high wire walk from world famous aerialist Nik Wallenda.

The event on March 29 will offer Good Friday service, food stations, a helicopter dropping thousands of candy-filled Easter eggs, inflatables and face painting for kids, and live music. In addition to his high wire walk, Wallenda will share his personal faith journey.

“As our team was dreaming and planning Easter weekend, someone mentioned that it would be great to have a Good Friday gathering in beautiful Payne Park,” said Senior Pastor John Cross. “Easter’s message of God’s love is truly Good News, and we’re committed to sharing it with as many as possible.”

With 11 Guinness World Records and a list of never-before-seen death-defying feats, Wallenda – a seventh-generation member of the famed Flying Wallendas family of aerialists – has written his name in history as the “King of the High Wire.” He has performed live in every state in the U.S. and numerous locations worldwide. From crossing the

Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls to walking blindfolded between two towers in Chicago, he personifies his personal tagline, “Never Give Up!” He is also well-known for his deep Christian faith.

The timeline for the event:

5:30 p.m.: free food, inflatables, face painting.

6:30 p.m.: helicopter Easter egg drop and hunt.

7 p.m.: Good Friday service featuring Wallenda and high wire walk.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. For more information about the event, visit firstsarasota.org/ good-friday.

Submitted by Sharon Kunkel