Carrousel creatures ready to ride after winter rest
Today the horses will be fresh and the brass will be shiny as the Looff Carrousel reopens after its annual maintenance.
Each winter the historic ride is shut down for about two months.
“It’s just so old that it has to be put down,” said Jeffrey Bailey, assistant manager of Riverfront Park.
Restorationists sanded and repainted horses in need of some attention. Crews retimed the carousel’s drive shaft. Seatbelts were replaced, the brass was polished and the crownwork was restored.
Last year, the horses and other animals provided more than 100,000 rides.
The carousel reopens in time for the last weekend the park’s Ice Palace is open – and the last days of the Winter Combo day pass, which also includes the SkyRide, mini golf and ice skating for $14.
Park staff will start dismantling the ice rink next week to make room for the amusement rides, which will open April 4.
Kimberly Lusk
What: Looff Carrousel
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April 3
Where: Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St.
Cost: $2 for a single ride, $10 for 8, $20 for 20.