BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)—
Step right up! Make that watch your step at the Coney Island Circus Theater, where some freaky beetles have eaten away parts of the ceiling's wooden beams.The invasion of the so-called powderpost beetles was discovered last week.
"We were upgrading and putting in a new lighting grid to upgrade our theater when to our shock, when we opened the ceiling in the theater, we discovered the really ugly beetles," said sideshow founder Dick Zigun.
Two exterminators and a structural engineer were called; emergency repairs were made to keep the famed attraction's second floor from collapsing.
"We would never bring an audience in, if they were in any danger," said Zigun.
The theater is expected to fill up on Feb. 14 for the Valentine's Day For Lovers And Losers Show. In preparation, Zigun and his crew are moving the seats away from the part of the ceiling that was damaged by the insects.
Coney Island USA owns the 95-year-old building, recently elevated to landmark status by The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The structure has no outstanding violations with the Department of Buildings.
Anyone interested in making a donation to help pay for the repairs, can go to www.coneyisland.com.
Edited By Michelle Robinson
