The Carousel of Happiness Grand Opening on May 29, 2010. Over the past couple of years lucky people acquired Golden Tickets, for the first carousel ride. I do not know for sure, but I think a few sponsors received them, and that many more were found in local candy bars, or other town bars. I really don't know.
The carousel is the amazing work of a man named Scott Harrison. Scott is a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Marines. His leadership and inspiration to the town of Nederland, and the community at large, for bringing such an unlikely project to fruition, is a rare thing indeed. Be inspired--if you were here to see it, and fully internalize the story behind and purpose of the carousel, you would be! The main purpose of the non-profit carousel is to provide funding to other non-profits in the area.
The first run of the carousel was without riders. People in attendance were to remember loved ones. It was an emotional few minutes for everyone. Scott honored and remembered two friends who died in Vietnam, who never got to grow up.
Since 1984 Scott has been carving the animals from scratch. Thirty-eight of them is the number, I think. This video does not do the quality of the carving or the creativity justice. Each animal has something unique, sometimes with parts of them being completely out-of-place. Yet, everything about the carousel is very creatively integrated. Scott talks about the "magic" of the carousel, and it is there, but to understand it you really need to experience it.
Anyway, we thank Scott, the numerous volunteers, the sponsors, and everybody who contributed to such an amazing contribution to our town and the world! The carousel's website is: www.carouselofhappiness.org