There are a lot of carousels around the world, but few have as heart-warming a story as that of the carousel in Missoula.
(A Carousel for Missoula building in Caras Park)
A Carousel for Missoula is the result of a multi-year community-based volunteer effort. The idea behind creating a carousel resided with Missoula carpenter and cabinet maker, Chuck Kaparich. Mr. Kaparich visited the carousel in Spokane, Washington's, Riverfront Park; that carousel had been created by a Danish immigrant as a wedding present for his daughter. The visit inspired Kaparich to look into buying a carousel horse, but instead he was encouraged to build his own horse, which he did.
(A Carousel for Missoula horses)
Within a few years, Kaparich had carved four carousel ponies -- all made of basswood (a durable wood derived from Linden trees). He approached the Missoula City Council with a deal: he would provide the city with a carousel, if they would give the carousel a permanent home and promise never to dismantle it. The council agreed! A community wide effort began, the project largely fueled with free labor and donations totaling more than $100,000 from local citizens (e.g. carousel horse "adoptions" were available for $2500).
(More ponies from A Carousel for Missoula)
Volunteers began working on the carousel and the project came together when a secondhand carousel frame (weighing over 10 tons) was purchased for $3000. The Missoula volunteer crew replaced the frames bolts and cleaned and repaired it. When the 38 locally completed horses were mounted on it, the carousel had more than 16,000 parts!
(These spare horses are in a side room of a Carousel for Missoula)
The carousel was capped by a canopy with almost 1000 light bulbs, 14 carved gargoyles, and 15 carved frames holding mirrors. A pipe organ was also acquired.
The carousel was given a location in Missoula's Caras Park, on the north bank of the Clark Fork River. A building was constructed for it again with local donations and volunteer labor.
(The Restoration Shop is in a side room in A Carousel for Missoula)
The Carousel was officially completed on May 27, 1995, the product of over 100,000 hours of volunteer time donation. It runs on a daily basis to this day and is popular, especially with local and visiting families. Over 225,000 rides are given on the carousel each year.
(Smaller carvings on display around A Carousel for Missoula)
Last weekend's One Clue Mystery photo (seen below) featured a beautiful hand-carved green wooden dragon, named Lucky Red Ringer. The photo was recognized by incomparable travel detective, George G. Congratulations as always, George!
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