THE TOWERING DAREDEVIL

The action wasn’t on the ground but rather 12 feet in the air at last week’s Downtown Thursday.

Known as the unicycling unicorn, Jamey Mossengren of Blaine dazzled crowds on his 12-foot unicycle while juggling swords, torches and a selfie stick with a smartphone attached.

“I have all kinds of tricks up my sleeve,” said Mossengren. “I like looking out and seeing people of all ages and races laughing and having fun,” he said.

Mossengren, 44, has been unicycling for nearly 35 years. He has performed in 18 countries, including Europe, Singapore, South Korea and Australia. He primarily sticks to the U.S. and Canada.

He holds countless national and world championship titles for a variety of unicycling disciplines. Since he began unicycling in 1993, Mossengren has competed in almost every North American championship and International championship competitions.

After performing in Owatonna last week, he traveled to Bemidji over the weekend where he competed in the World Unicycle Championship. He took on his daredevil attempt yet by performing on a 44-foot unicycle. “I’m going big,” he said prior to the contest. “It’s going to be scary.”

Mossengren credits his grandmother in St. James for getting him hooked on unicycling. She bought one at a garage sale. “My brother and I were bored and decided to do it,” he said. “It’s crazy how it changes the path of your life,” he added.

He has experienced his share of close calls over the years. One of the worst was when he broke his back while mountain unicycling in California. “It’s dangerous. If I fall, I’m getting hurt,” he said. “You name it, I’ve probably done it. I haven’t learned my lesson yet.”

During his shows, Mossengren relies on help from spectators to pull off some of the stunts. “I’m using random strangers to help me out,” he said. “I’m putting my faith in five strangers.”

Mossengren is in the process of assembling what will be a free museum of antique unicycles, some of which have been in movies, in Bemidji. He has already collected about 100 unicycles to display.

While performing, Mossengren says he likes to generate memories in people’s minds. “I like to create a magical moment on the street,” Mossengren said, adding it’s fun to see everyone getting along at his shows even if it’s only for 30 minutes.

The unicycler also leaves an important message for spectators. “Life is all about love and laughter. Please be kind to one another,” Mossengren tells the crowd. He later adds, “if everyone was kind, the world would be a lot better place.”

And Mossengren has found a unique niche to make the world a better place.

“It’s a fun job to make people laugh and smile,” he said.