Antique Carousel
Located in Story City's North Park
Contact the GCC office for tours and additional information
or to volunteer for a shift and ride for free: (515) 733-4214 or chamber@storycity.net
Having a birthday this summer? Plan your party to include carousel rides. Call GCC for details.
Hours
Opening Day for the 2013 season is Saturday May 4
Weekends only in May and September
Sat - Sun, Noon - 8:00 pm
Open Daily starting Memorial Day through Labor Day
Mon - Tues, Noon - 6:00 pm Wed - Sun, Noon - 8:00 pm
$1 per ride; 50¢ popcorn, novelties available; 20-punch pass only $12 or buy 5 rides, get 1 free; Visit our expanded novelty area.
Volunteer with your family or organization and ride for free! (515) 733-4214 or chamber@storycity.net
2013 Calendar of Events
Iowa's only 1913 antique carousel will be celebrating it’s 100th Birthday this summer with a season full of special events. Check out the separate page for 100th birthday activities (currently under construction.) Please join the horses, dogs, and pigs for some birthday fun this summer!
May 5- Cinco De Mayo opening weekend- 5¢ popcorn
May 12 – Mother’s Day – Moms ride free!
May 31- Crazy Carousel Day (open til midnight/glo sticks)
June 7/8/9 Scandinavian Days: Do we need to say any more??
June 16 - Father's Day! Dads ride FREE!
June 22 - Princess/Pirate Party
July 4 – Patriotic 100th Birthday Bash 50¢rides; kids games, ice cream
July 13 - Carousel Super Hero Party
July 25th – National Carousel Day & 100th Birthday Party
September 8th Grandparent’s Day
September 21 & 22 Story Telling festival
Download your printable calendar (updated will be coming in 2013)
History
Located in Story City's picturesque North Park along the Skunk River, the restored merry-go-round will transport you back in time as you take a thrilling ride. This fun machine is a vanishing species built in 1913 by the Herschell-Spillman Co. of Tonawanda, New York. It was originally owned by P.T. Gifford of Grundy Center, Iowa. Gifford traveled the Iowa countryside taking the carousel to county fairs and town celebrations, including Story City's Independence Day galas. The splendid wooden figures are hand-carved from poplar and include 20 horses, two chickens, two pigs, two dogs, two chariots, and a whirling tub. Calliope tunes are generated by a 1936 Wurlitzer Military Band organ housed in the center of the carousel. The carousel was purchased from Gifford in 1938 by the Story City Greater Community Congress, and proceeded to delight generations of children. Eventually, time and wear took their toll, and the battered steeds were forced into temporary retirement in 1977.
In 1980, interest in the old merry-go-round was resurrected, and restoration began at The Country Shop in rural Roland, Iowa. Layers of paint were removed, repairs made, and original colors of paint were mixed to match the old shades. After one and one-half years, the original stencils, colors, and prints were completely restored to their present gleaming condition. A special structure was built to house the carousel, a dedication was held on June 4, 1982. This summer, come buy a bag of popcorn, climb aboard the carousel, and be a part of the magic that exists among the brass poles, revolving lights, and merry tunes.