Lucy the Elephant.
But first, Margate Fire Dept. will give her a shower
MARGATE – Following a more than year-long “Great Restoration” project, Lucy the Elephant is getting ready for her great unveiling in late November or early December, according to Save Lucy Committee Executive Director Richard Helfant.
“Lucy is in month 13 of what was supposed to be an eight-month project and close to $1 million over budget, but this hasn’t deterred us from forging ahead to bring this mammoth project to its successful completion,” he said in a release.
Setbacks during the restoration project included finding more damaged wood sheathing than expected, weather delays, a sprinkler system freeze that caused flooding inside the elephant, and delays in receiving materials due to supply chain issues.
But before the scaffolding is dismantled, the Margate City Fire Department will give Lucy an elephant-sized shower so any potential leaks in her new skin can be repaired. The exact date of Lucy’s shower will be announced soon. Dismantling the scaffolding will take approximately two weeks to complete, after which a grand unveiling ceremony is planned.
Provided/Lucy and the ALS Challenge.
The project was originally estimated to cost $1.4 million. The Save Lucy Committee received grants from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund administered by the New Jersey Historic Trust, and the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program administered by the National Park Service totaling $1.2 million. To help cover the shortfall, the non-profit organization charged with her upkeep has launched a capital fundraising campaign called, “Lucy’s Life Preservers.”
Any donor who contributes $1,000 will have their name inscribed on a bronze plaque to be permanently on display at the site, a commemorative Lucy Life Preserver gold plated pin, and life membership to the Friends of Lucy. Space is still available on the plaque and the campaign will end on Dec. 31. For information about becoming a Lucy Life Preserver, email info@lucytheelephant.org, or call 609-823-6473, ext. 5.
Lucy is open for tours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends through the end of October. In November and December, Lucy will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For further information, see lucytheelephant.org.
Lucy the Elephant under wraps.
