Be merry, go round for National Carousel Day

COEUR d’ALENE — The carousel that once brought joy to so many youngsters at Playland Pier is continuing to bring smiles to kids' faces in 2019.

"The fact that this is the original merry-go-round from Playland Pier that so many of us rode as kids makes it extra special," said Coeur d'Alene Carousel Foundation secretary Rita Snyder. "Playland Pier is gone, but we can still enjoy this piece of that special time."

Every time Snyder walks into the chipper yellow carousel building, located next to Memorial Field at 439 W. Fort Grounds Drive, she can't help but smile.

"It is the most fun place to volunteer," she said. "Two of my favorite things are talking to people who rode it when they were young and seeing kids ride ours for their very first carousel ride. We are creating great memories."

More than 18,000 riders made new memories at the carousel during its first two seasons, not including accompanying parents and grandparents.

Now it’s year three, and the community is invited to enjoy the carousel in all its glittering glory for no cost from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday for National Carousel Day.

This special day, also known as National Merry-Go-Round Day, celebrates the laughter, fun and calliope music that is a part of the carousel experience. William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa, was issued the first patent for the modern carousel on this day in 1871.

The carousel was a popular attraction for children and youths who visited the historical Playland Pier, an amusement park that once bustled where Independence Point is now. It closed in 1974 after a fire and the carousel seemed to disappear into history. In the '80s, it was discovered at a Puyallup auction by Duane and Carol Perron, who own and operate the International Museum of Carousel Art in Hood River, Ore. They purchased and restored it and eventually it was purchased by retired real estate developer John Foote and his wife, Pat, who bought it for $250,000. They gave the carousel to the city of Coeur d'Alene, with the instruction that no tax dollars should be spent on a location or building to house this classic piece.

"Our carousel is truly a miracle," Snyder said. "Very few traveling carnival carousels survived. This hand-carved 1922 Spillman Junior came back home fully intact and ready to ride with all 20 ponies and two chariots — an amazing story and addition to the Memorial Plaza and the park. We love sharing the story with visitors. We are so lucky and thankful for this amazing gift."

The ponies are shined and ready for riders, and enhancements such as benches, signs and new stained glass windows have been added for the enjoyment of all.

National Carousel Day will include the free rides, free popcorn and the Kootenai Humane Society will be on site with adorable adoptable pets.

"It is so much fun watching the same families and kids return to ride each season," Snyder said. "Whether you are a regular visitor or new to the carousel, come down and enjoy the magic on July 25."

Info: www.cdacarousel.com