Thursday, June 14, 2012

I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy, Riding the Carousel

It's officially summer.  


The reason I know this is because the Lakeside Park Carousel has opened for business.  A short walk from our house, pulling the kiddos in the wagon, finds us at the venue for childish glee and wild abandon.

The vintage Frati band organ belts out dozens of old-time favourites 


as the 68 different animals and four chariots
parade...
 pose...
prance...
 and race
around in never-ending circles.

The antique Charles I.D. Looff original was carved between 1898 and 1905.  Port Dalhousie is proud to host one of the 350 hand-carved carousels still operating in North America.  

When the carousel was given to the city of St. Catharines, the stipulation was that rides never cost more than five cents.  Operating at considerable financial loss, it remains an Old Port icon and tourist draw since 1921.

Back in the day, when my kids were little, I'd give them each a quarter and then go stretch out on a beach blanket to read for twenty minutes.  A haven of rest and relaxation for me, a wild ride for the kids. Usually, #1 son got too dizzy to stay on for more than one go, but his sibs could ride forever!




Now it's my Grandkids turn!


 together with friends even!

Aren't they the most handsome smallfry?

So what speaks summer to you?
Do you have special traditions that summer brings?
Enjoy the season...it promises to be a hot one!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

The Carousel was always my favourite thing about Port-- and I didn't even grow up there!

Pat Tillett said...

It's a beautiful one! I love carousels... Not too many of the great old ones still around...

Karen Mortensen said...

What a fun place. I love merry-go-rounds.

Unknown said...

That's so wonderful! What a special place for families and kids to hang together!

Unknown said...

And yes, they are the most handsome small ones!

Sush said...

Rosemary, what a coincidence I dropped in this afternoon, after spending a morning riding the Carousel in our area's Park. I love Carousels so much and it's lovely that my grandkids do as well!
Happy Summer and hugs~

Veronica Lee said...

I love carousels too! Your grand-kiddos are gorgeous!