THUNDER BAY -- Glow-ups don’t traditionally happen when you’re 100 years old, but that’s exactly what’s happening to the Chippewa Carousel.
On Friday, the Carousel Restoration Committee revealed four new horses, bringing it to a total of 14.
The campaign, which began in February, is officially halfway through the restoration of 28 of the carousel horses.
To date, they have raised just under half of their $900,000 goal.
“[The response] has been phenomenal,” campaign chair of the committee Jules Tupker said. “There are all kinds of ways to donate to the campaign. We’re prepared to take any money.”
The carousel, which was built between 1918 and 1920, was acquired by the former town of Fort William in 1934 when a travelling carnival that had been in the community went bankrupt.
Thunder Bay city council designated the carousel as a heritage property in 1991.
Tupker says he’s motivated by a special connection to the carousel. He met his wife at Chippewa Park in the 1970s, and both of his kids were employed at the park in subsequent years.
“Everybody I talk to has some relationship to this carousel,” Tupker said. “They’ve either been on it themselves, or their children, or grandchildren.”
Of the sum already raised, $200,000 came from the city in December, and an additional $100,000 came Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario.
The committee has also confirmed a donor will support the restoration of the carousel’s Wurlitzer organ, which hasn’t operated in over 40 years.
The restoration process is being overseen by Lisa Parr, a carousel restoration expert from Chicago. Tupker added he expects the work on the remaining 14 horses to begin in September.
For more information on the restoration project or to donate, visit the capital campaign website.
