Hundreds of magicians lined up to complete the Siberian Chain Escape to set a world record. July 3, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A magician’s dream in Appleton on Thursday morning.
Hundreds of magic enthusiasts descended upon Houdini Plaza to not only witness death-defying escapes, but to make history.
“It came together, we’ve been planning this for well over a year,” said escape coordinator Jeff Sikora. “And we decided that we wanted to try to set a world record for the number of magicians escaping from the Siberian Chain Escape, and I believe we did set a brand new record.”
Sikora said there is no established record, and while there isn’t an official count yet, over 200 magicians from the Society of American Magicians performed the classic Houdini escape at the same time.
It’s all in the name of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini.
“He was just an amazing showman, an incredible magician, and an inspiration to so many people,” SAM President Michael Heckenberger said. “To be here on the 100th anniversary of his passing unfortunately, in his hometown, is magnificent.”
Houdini Historian John Cox got in on the action. “It’s awesome for a Houdini historian because it gives me a sense of what it must have been like to see Houdini and you know what, it’s scary! These are scary to watch, it’s scary to be here and see a person hanging so high or going into the water.”
Famous escape artists also climbed into a barrel to recreate the Houdini Milk Can escape. And magician Houdini II made history escaping from a straight jacket dangling 100 feet in the air.
“And this is hard to get out, these straight jackets once it’s in,” he said, holding up the straightjacket. “This is actually the replica of the movie Houdini with Tony Curtis, so I got, there are 15 made in the world this kind of straight jacket out of leather. And I have one of them. Two other magicians!”
He said his escapes are all in the name of peace and made sure to spread the love.
“If I’m escaping and got the platform to talk about it, it’s escaping for peace. Me, you, everybody. And we can get along, watch this. Give me a hug!”
The event isn’t over yet.
You can check out the Magic Opera on Friday at the Communication Arts Center in Menasha. Showtimes are 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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