MARGATE - Despite Lucy the Elephant being under wraps, tours inside Margate's iconic structure will be permitted to resume starting 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 and continue every day, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day, until Jan. 2, 2022.
Tours are being made possible for a short period of time due to a delay in the delivery of materials needed for Lucy's $2 million restoration currently underway.
Lucy has been closed for tours since Sept. 20 to allow for a complete replacement of her exterior metal skin. The World's Largest Elephant has been hidden inside plastic covered scaffolding.
We are thrilled to be able to offer tours inside Lucy for the holidays and give our visitors a chance to see the $2 million restoration up close, Save Lucy CommitteeCEO Richard Helfant said in a release.
General Contractor Merrell and Garaguso of Swedesboro granted permission to allow tours and approved safety measures that will allow tourists inside the iconic structure.
We discussed this with our people and took the necessary steps to make it happen said Michael Garaguso, president of the firm. We also took the additional step of bringing in a safety compliance company to ensure visitors and staff would have a safe and enjoyable experience. We all love Lucy and are happy that we are able to allow these limited time tours."
Access to Lucy will be through the gift shop. No one will be permitted in the park or on Lucy's howdah riding carriage on her back during this period.
Lucy's will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from Dec. 15 through Jan. 2, 2022; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Lucy will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
In January, February, and March, Lucy's gift shop will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturdays and Sundays. The gift shop will also be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on President's Day, Monday, Feb. 21.
For more information, see LucytheElephant.org.
