International magician and escapologist Michael Griffin will perform on the second stage at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Lisbon on Sunday. (Submitted photo)

LISBON — International magician and escapologist Michael Griffin — an escape artist that has been featured on America’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and numerous other TV shows worldwide — is bringing his escape talents to the Lisbon Johnny Appleseed Festival. He is also bringing a challenge to festivalgoers.

Griffin invites people to “bring your ropes, handcuffs, anything short of explosives” and if anyone can keep him from escaping, they win ” $1,000 cash on the spot.”

“No camera tricks. No helpers. Just you, your best attempt, and me doing what I do,” said Griffin.

The challenge along with what Griffin calls “the Airtight Bag Escape” will take place at noon and again at 3 p.m. Sunday on the festival’s second stage, which is located at the intersection of South Jefferson and East Washington streets.

“Airtight Bag Escape” is new in 2025 and according to Griffin is his most dangerous stunt to date as it entails “30 pounds of chain, padlocks, handcuffs, and leg irons, a sealed airtight waterproof bag, no air” and “no second chances with just two to three minutes before blackout.” Griffin will be performing the airtight escape for the first time at the Johnny Appleseed Festival.

“Suffocation starts quick. If something goes wrong, it’s not a trick. It’s real,” Griffin said. “But that’s the risk I take to prove what’s possible.”

According to michaelgriffinescapes.com, Griffin’s love for magic and escapology began at a young age when he would tie himself up with rope and try to escape, inspired by TV shows and cartoons featuring characters who used their skills and abilities to escape perilous situations.

Griffin is the only two-time winner of the World Magic Awards Escape Artist of the Year and is the only escape artist to have known to escape from a hanging featured on Real TV.

Aside from wowing the crowd with his airtight escape and the $1,000 challenge, Griffin is also on the hunt for what he calls “jail jewelry” to add to his private collection of antique restraints – old handcuffs, shackles, leg irons, and any unusual law enforcement or confinement relics.

“If it locks, snaps, or clamps, I want to see it. From Peerless to Bean, Hiatt to Tower, even rusted or frozen pieces, I’m buying,” he said.

Single pieces or complete collections are welcome. Anyone unsure of the value or history of an item is encouraged to stop by for a free evaluation before or after his noon and 3 p.m. showtimes.

Admission to Sunday’s shows are free.