Carousel holdup can't stop spring opening

COEUR d'ALENE — Although a wet fall stalled progress on the construction of the carousel in Coeur d'Alene, things are still on track for a spring opening.

Cari Fraser, of the Coeur d'Alene Carousel Foundation, told The Press Thursday October's heavy rains prompted a halt in the construction of the carousel's exterior. That slowed the progress, but Fraser added the foundation is hopeful it can quickly get the exterior, located in the Four Corners area just north of City Park, built so the interior can be prepared during the winter months.

"We want to do what's right with this project, while also being timely and within budget," Fraser said. "What we don't want to be is shortsighted when it comes to things like heating the interior because those touches will help maintain the horses for a longer period of time."

The carousel first opened in the summer of 1942 on the beach in Coeur d'Alene and is now in storage, fully restored and ready for operation. Sponsors have committed funds to help the foundation with the estimated $450,000 needed to restore and relocate the carousel to its new, permanent home.

Those sponsors, Fraser said, will be the first to get a look at the completed carousel project during a soft-opening event honoring them this spring. The foundation, she added, is hoping to have the carousel's grand opening before local schools let out for summer at the beginning of June.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, and the foundation still in fundraising mode, Fraser said they will soon be selling festive bags filled with carousel tokens. The price of these bags has not yet been determined, but Fraser said more information will be available soon at www.cdacarousel.com.

"They're going to make perfect stocking stuffers," she added.