RIDE EXPERIENCE
Riders choose from more than just horses. There are 3 rows which include 21 jumpers, 2 standers, 22 menagerie, 2 chariots (Uncle Sam & Rocking Chariot), 1 tub (Lover's tub). The ride begins at the sound of a bell. The band organ no longer operates, but is still aesthetically appealing. Music is played over speakers.
RIDE HISTORY & INFO
This authentic carousel is the oldest ride still operating in Lagoon. It was built in 1893 and was fully restored for its 100th Anniversary in 1993. The building was repainted in 2003 for its 110th birthday. The big ball on top, which was always a target for gum chewers riding the Sky Ride, was removed in 2002. Now, Old Glory tops off the historic ride. Not very many carousels with actual wooden horses exist anymore. Each one of these pieces are worth quite a bit of money on its own. Each one is original and hand-carved.
"There are less then 150 carousels with hand-carved figures operating in the U.S. today. This priceless ride is a remarkable peice of Victorian art, and is the only authentic hand-carved Carousel operating in Utah. There is one piece missing from this [carousel]. This poor horse had all that it could take in 1999. It crashed to the floor of the ride..."
The Carousel was almost destroyed by the Fire Of 1953. A steady stream of water on the roof extinguished the flames and preserved this classic ride for generations to come. There is a 13 year gap between the time the Carousel was completed and the year it opened in Lagoon. I don't know where it was during that time.
PHOTOS
Photo: Steve Murdock"Here is a photo of my wife and son on the Lagoon carousel in the 1970s. My son Bron is on my favorite carousel horse, the one I liked best when I was a kid." -Steve Murdock, Logan, Utah (raised in Kaysville)
Photo: Rick
Photos: Rick