Sword Swallowing? Not Since College.

Sword swallowing is one of those talents that I’ve never understood. Namely, how does one suspect that they’ve got the calling? Moreover, if you’re a youth with no sword-swallowing role models, how do you enter the field? Are there internships available? If so, what exactly is involved, administratively? How many...

By Jamie Laughlin

February 21, 2013

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Sword swallowing is one of those talents that I’ve never understood. Namely, how does one suspect that they’ve got the calling? Moreover, if you’re a youth with no sword-swallowing role models, how do you enter the field? Are there internships available? If so, what exactly is involved, administratively? How many sword-swallowing-related accidents are reported in our hospitals each year? And of those, how many were cited as cries for help? Many of these questions could be answered Saturday afternoon, during the fanfare and pageantry of National Sword Swallower’s Day. Going down, repeatedly, outside of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium (601 E. Palace Parkway, Grand Prairie) and beginning at 1:30 p.m. will be a feat of endurance coupled with stunted gag reflexes as 20 performers “drop swords.” Expect a spectacle, including an OFFICIAL drop at 2:23:13 p.m. to coincide with the date — or time of death, depending on the dropper’s skill level. Watching is free, but you’ll want to enter Ripley’s and that starts at $16.99 for adults. Visit ripleys.com/grandprairie.
Sat., Feb. 23, 2013

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