Carousel Honored In Ceremony

Spokane’s historic 1909 Looff Carousel was awarded the National Carousel Association’s Preservation award Friday in a ceremony at The Met.

The annual award is presented to communities that make the commitment to operate and preserve historic carousels. The Looff Carousel is one of only 150 classic wooden carousels left in the country; 5,000 once existed.

Charles Looff, the creator of the historic carousel in Riverfront Park, was a central part of the carousel industry during its peak. The industry is portrayed in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” now playing at The Met.

Riverfront Park’s carousel was originally located at the now-defunct Natatorium Park, which is the subject of an exhibit at the Cheney Cowles Museum. “The Nat: Remembering Natatorium Park” is on display though Aug. 31 and details the life of the popular park, which closed in the 1960s.

As part of its ongoing exhibit, the museum will host Nostalgia Day today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can see the Nat Park exhibit for the normal admission charge of $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2.50 for students. Children under age 6 are free. The museum, located at 2316 W. First, will extend its hours for the event and remain open until 10 p.m.

There will also be food booths, a beer and wine garden, and a classic car show. A dance and concert featuring Men in the Making will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the dance are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.