Breaking News from Colorado:
**A Carousel of Joy and History: The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland**
Nestled in the picturesque Boulder County mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, stands the Carousel of Happiness - a testament to creativity, perseverance, and the power of joy.
The story of the Carousel of Happiness began in the heart of a young Marine during the Vietnam War. Scott Harrison, now a Boulder native, conceived the idea for the carousel as a beacon of hope amidst the harsh realities of war. After decades of dedication, the carousel was brought to life in 2010.
Harrison spent over 25 years hand-carving 35 whimsical animals for the carousel, each meticulously detailed to reflect his craftsmanship. The menagerie includes a dolphin, elephant, frog, zebra, coyote, gorilla, and even a pig that serves as an immobile bench. The carousel's animals are a delightful sight, attracting visitors from far and wide.
The Carousel of Happiness found its home in Nederland, a quirky mountain town at an elevation of 8,232 feet. This location not only provides a scenic backdrop but also offers a unique experience for visitors. The carousel is accessible to all, being ADA compliant, and serves as a symbol of community spirit and joy, inspiring visitors to bring positive change to their own communities.
The carousel is a rare gem, one of fewer than 100 remaining wooden antique carousels in the U.S. Although it does not retain its original animals from the Looff factory, it does boast a historical mechanism built around 1910 and features a Wurlitzer band organ from 1913. The contemporary animals, handcrafted by Harrison, add a unique twist to this historical attraction.
Every two years, guests can vote for the rideable animal they think deserves the title of "mayor of the carousel." In a recent election, the pig won with a total of 1,627 votes, with local animal sanctuaries supporting its campaign. The pig's victory is a testament to the carousel's spirit of community and the power of a good cause.
The carousel has been a beloved attraction in Nederland since its official opening on May 29, 2010. It has welcomed nearly 1.2 million riders since then, with 72,000 riders in 2024 alone. Visitors come from various locations, including states like Pennsylvania, New York, Chicago, Ohio, Texas, and Arkansas, as well as nearby towns like Arvada, Boulder, and Longmont.
In 2021, the carousel's human team members embarked on a new project - a podcast called "Carousel of Happiness Podcast." Hosted by Allie Wagner, the podcast breaks down the attraction's history and shares the stories of its riders. Episodes began airing in January and are published weekly.
The Carousel of Happiness also holds an annual Memorial Day service to honour fallen military veterans. Rides at the carousel cost $3, with children under 1 riding for free.
Visiting the Carousel of Happiness is more than just a ride; it's a journey through history, a celebration of art, and a testament to the power of joy and community. The carousel, located at 20 Lakeview Drive in Nederland, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique blend of art, nature, and nostalgia.
- Despite the diverse locations of visitors, such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas, the community spirit of the Carousel of Happiness has been evident in recent elections, as shown by the pig's victory as "mayor of the carousel."
- In line with the carousel's emphasis on sustainable living, the home-and-garden themed "Carousel of Happiness Podcast" shares stories of its riders and delves into its history, encouraging listeners to reflect on the power of joy and community in their own lifestyles.
- A unique element of the Carousel of Happiness is that it not only inspires joy within the Nederland community but also contributes to local efforts, as evident by the support of animal sanctuaries in the elections for the rideable animal "mayor."
