One of the more intriguing new developments at Coney Island this summer is the introduction of a new flea market—er, sorry, make that festival—featuring many of the displaced vendors from the Aqueduct Flea Market in Queens. And while there were promises of 120 "upscale" retail vendors, carnival acts, games, food booths and inflatable bounce houses, Amusing the Zillions stopped by during opening weekend and found that wasn't quite the case.
"Unfortunately the opening day event was dismal. It was not in any way 'like a state fair,”' as hyped by the BK Festival management in advertisements, nor did it feature “upscale product,” reports the blog. A quick scroll through their photos reveals a sorry-looking display of luggage, perfume, and a petting zoo that appears to have included pigeons. The festival idea was the brainchild of Coney Island developer Joe "Coney Island Grinch" Sitt, whose previous failures have included the Festival by the Sea, and the "Summer of Hope" carnival.
Perhaps the flea marketization of New York won't extend all the way to Coney Island, though they sure could use a helping hand. Fingers crossed that next week's Kings County Fair fares better.
