THUNDER BAY — The Friends of Chippewa Park have raised $427,000 in their drive to support the restoration of the historic carousel.
The group made the announcement on Wednesday in conjunction with National Carousel Day, celebrated on July 25 to commemorate the date the first U.S. patent was issued, in 1871, for the modern carousel.
The campaign target is $900,000.
Restoration Committee co-chair Donna Gilhooly said "if we are to continue the restoration this fall we need to raise the remainder between now and year-end."
Gilhooly explained that 14 of the carousel's horses have been restored, while work is ongoing to rebuild the centre column panels.
She said another 14 horses need refurbishing, along with the rounding boards, the chariots, and the electrical and mechanical systems.
Handcrafted by "Amusement King" C.W. Parker in 1915, and in operation since 1934, the Chippewa Park carousel is a designated heritage structure.
The Friends of Chippewa arranged for internationally-renowned expert Lisa Parr to guide local artisans and tradespeople in the restoration.
The group has issued a call for local residents to visit the park, ride the carousel and donate to the restoration campaign.
Until the end of August, the amusement ride operates Wednesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 8 PM.
Donations may be made via the carousel website.
