The Carousel of Happiness

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The Carousel of Happiness is Nederland, Colorado's magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Rides are now $3, or 10 for $25. Scott Harrison was a 19-year-old Marine Gunner serving in Vietnam where the gift of a music box and the image of a carousel in a mountain meadow calmed him. Many years later, after rescuing an abandoned carousel, he began carving what would become a whimsical menagerie. It took him a little over 26 years to hand-carve the 56 animals and a dedicated group of volunteers helped bring the carousel to life in the little mountain town west of Boulder. The fully-enclosed Carousel of Happiness turns to the music of a restored 1913 Wurlitzer Band Organ, and is home to a gift shop, storytelling booth and do-it-yourself puppet theater. The Carousel is available to rent for birthday parties and private events, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.The Carousel of Happiness is Nederland, Colorado's magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Rides are now $3, or 10 for $25. Scott Harrison was a 19-year-old Marine Gunner serving in Vietnam where the gift of a music box and the image of a carousel in a mountain meadow calmed him. Many years later, after rescuing an abandoned carousel, he began carving what would become a whimsical menagerie. It took him a little over 26 years to hand-carve the 56 animals and a dedicated group of volunteers helped bring the carousel to life in the little mountain town west of Boulder. The fully-enclosed Carousel of Happiness turns to the music of a restored 1913 Wurlitzer Band Organ, and is home to a gift shop, storytelling booth and do-it-yourself puppet theater. The Carousel is available to rent for birthday parties and private events, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.