A visit to Calgary has proven less than hospitable for a third generation tightrope walker after thieves stole his trailer containing historical artifacts and special performance equipment.

Rick Wallenda arrived in Calgary on Friday where he was scheduled to continue carrying on the tradition of The Flying Wallendas, founded by his grandfather Karl.

The tightrope walker was to perform in the Royal Canadian Circus throughout the show’s Calgary run from May 9 – 18, 2015 in the parking lot of the Crossroads Furniture Mart.

The first thing Wallenda did after arriving in Calgary was setup his high-wire under the big top.

“I brought (my trailer) round back of the warehouse over here and I dropped it with the rest of the empty trailers,” explains Rick. “Another person on the show said he saw it sitting there.  Then I came out around 5 and it was gone.”

The white utility trailer was filled with specialized high-wire equipment including a bicycle built by his uncle, and all of Rick’s costumes. Rick’s specialized shoes were inside the trailer which means his Calgary acts will be performed in socks.

“I have injuries to my feet already,” said Rick. “Even under good conditions with good feet, it's painful to your feet.”

Rick says one of his coworkers witnessed a red pickup truck drive off with the trailer, but that's all he has to go on. He is offering a reward for the safe return of the trailer's contents.

The theft of Rick’s trailer is not the first mishap to occur during the Royal Canadian Circus’ current tour.

During a recent show in Fort McMurray, a 13-year-old performer broke his femur.

“One of the boys that's in the opening number with stilts, he wasn't up on any of the aerial riggings or anything like that, took a fall and broke something in his leg,” explains ringmaster Joseph Bauer. “It comes with our lifestyle.”

Calgary police are investigating the theft of the trailer. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.

According to Rick, he doesn’t care if he ever sees the trailer again but he’s pleading for the return of the equipment and artifacts which carry little monetary value, but mean the world to him.

With files from CTV's Bridget Brown