The impending gentrification of Coney Island loomed for years as developers salivated over the prospect of building condos in dirty heaven. The mecca for the strange and dispossessed was under-siege for what felt like years.. I remember when I went to the mermaid parade the year before Astroland went down, there were so many protest signs that it fell and it felt more like a solidarity march for freaks.

Now I hear so many people talk as if the whole board walk was nuked. But if you know anything about the history of Coney Island, you know that the whole place as been razed to the ground and rebuilt repeatedly.

The carny culture is still there. Coney Island is STILL a hub for burlesque, sideshow and art and there is ALWAYS something going on there. Most importantly Sideshow By the Seashore endures and it’s legacy continues to shine. The summer season is coming up.
The Cyclone-still there.
The Wonder Wheel-still there.
Nathans’s-still there.
Most importantly Sideshow By the Seashore endures and it’s legacy continues to shine. The summer season is coming up.  As far as I’m concerned, as long as they are, Coney island is still a magical place. Don’t forget to check them out.

-Marcus Abrey Swellco & Swellco 24534b

Check out their site

Photos courtesy of  coneyisland.com