Aron Houdini performs daring escape

What was billed as the world’s most dangerous escape took place Saturday evening at Northern Waters Casino in Watersmeet, Mich.

Approximately 300 people, including local residents and visitors from miles away, attended the performance by escape artist Aron Houdini. Many approached Houdini before the show to wish him luck.

The performance commemorated the 100th anniversary of legendary escape artist Harry Houdini’s final performance.

The evening began with a series of magic tricks involving unsuspecting audience volunteers, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

For the finale, Houdini introduced Hera, an inland taipan, widely considered the world’s most venomous snake. A specially constructed 4-foot-by-4-foot crate had been built locally for the act.

After placing Hera inside the crate, Houdini was secured in a straitjacket by audience volunteers. He then climbed into the crate with the snake, and the lid was closed.

With suspense building, Houdini escaped from the straitjacket and emerged from the crate holding both Hera and the straitjacket. After safely returning the snake to its container, he received enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Following the performance, audience members gathered to congratulate Houdini and pose for photographs with him.