MANSFIELD, Ohio — Richland Carrousel Park‘s familiar, playful tune echoed throughout the streets of downtown once again during its grand reopening event Saturday.
The carrousel was closed last week for maintenance.
“We did inventory, we cleaned from top to bottom and the horses were painted, Co-director Sharon Bishop said.
“It’s wonderful to start with a clean, fresh slate for the new year.”
Saturday’s grand reopening event drew several families.
“There were people waiting at the door when we opened,” Bishop said. “We’ve had a steady crowd, and we hope it will continue throughout the day.”
Among the children who enjoyed taking a ride on the carrousel was Emily Jackson. Her favorite part is “going up and down.”
In late November, the carrousel welcomed its four millionth rider.
“State Rep. Mark Romanchuk was just here and he said, ‘Do you realize that we only have 11.5 million people in the state, and you had four million riders?’ They gave us a plaque for that four millionth rider and for all that we do for the state of Ohio,” Bishop said.
Bishop said the carrousel will feature a number of new attractions.
“Every month we have something going on,” Bishop said.
One of the biggest events on the horizon is the 25th anniversary celebration in August. In honor of this special occasion, a new horse will be carved to add to the collection.
The carrousel will continue to provide its typical services, such as hosting birthday parties.
“I think we have four or five (birthday parties) going on today,” Bishop said.
Evening rentals are also available.
In addition to enjoying the rides, visitors can browse the items in the boutique and gift shop. The carrousel is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
“We don’t want to be the best-kept secret.” Bishop said. “We want to be out there.”
