Death-defying side show comes to Morongo casino

Step right up to see a local show filled with fire-breathers, sword-eaters and deadly knife throwers.

The Morongo casino resort and spa is featuring a new summer promotion with more than $300,000 in prizes.

“So it’s half game show and it’s half sideshow and it is amazing,” Sideshow talker Deon Aumaier said.

These performers are fearless.

The specialty of George the Giant, one of the show’s performers, is swallowing swords.

“Lowering the sword down the throat, in between the lungs, and nudging the heart to the side slightly and dropping into the stomach cavity,” George said.

It’s not easy putting on a show of this caliber.

“Well, it’s difficult because you’re putting these odd shapes into this oddly shaped stage. It has a weird curve, so we tried different designs knowing we would have to take all of this down in one hour,” art director Jeff Vangonka said.

Some of these performers have been practicing their craft for most of their life.

“I’ve always danced my entire life and I discovered belly dancing when I was a woman,” snake charmer Meliza Jackson said.

The highlight of the show is the “Wheel of Death.”

A woman spins around as performers throw knives at the wheel.

The trick goes off without a hitch because Aumaier is the best in the business.

“I went to clown college in 1977. So it’s really a long time,” Aumaier said.

No matter how strange or grotesque, it’s all in the name of fun.

The “Sideshow” begins at 8 p.m. every Friday and runs through Aug. 28.

To take in the show, you must be a member of the Morongo Rewards Club.