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# Coney Island Theater Threatened By Wood-Eating Beetles
- URL: https://bklyner.com/coney-island-theater-threatened-by-wood-eating-beatles-bensonhurst/
- Published: 2012-02-07T16:00:50.000Z
- Updated: 2012-02-07T16:00:50.000Z
- Author: jteutonico
- Tags: dick zigun, freak show, infestation, landmark, powder post beetles, side show theater, sideshows by the sea shore, termites, #API-Imported

![](http://bklyner.com.customers.tigertech.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/5857670522_757d35d2c0_z-590x331.jpg "5857670522_757d35d2c0_z")

Source: Sarah\_Ackerman via Flickr

A colony of ravenous wood-eating beetles is endangering the first floor rafters of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow theater. The infestation threatens to bring down part of the landmarked 1917 building’s ceiling.

Sideshow barker Dick Zigun told the [Daily News](http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/coney-island-venue-threatened-wood-eating-beetles-article-1.1017018?localLinksEnabled=false&ref=bklyner.com) that the issue was detected last week by electricians installing a new lighting grid.

“The wood was turning to dust when you touched it,” said Zigun – who is also the show’s founder.

He told reporters that sometime over the last hundred years, a bevy of the bugs – known as powder post beetles – began to chew through the joists which sit over the venue’s bleachers.

The revelation had jeopardized a planned [Valentine’s Day celebration](http://coneyislandfunguide.com/Events/Princess-Pat-Presents-Valentines-Day-for-Lovers-and-Losers%5F2%5F14%5F2012-3180.htm?ref=bklyner.com).

Fortunately, Sideshow staff were able to rearrange the seating in such a way that the audience is no longer underneath the weakened sections of ceiling.

If you’d like to make a donation to help with repairs, please visit [ConeyIsland.com](http://www.coneyisland.com/?ref=bklyner.com).