Mark your calendars: The Kingsport Carousel is gearing up to celebrate a decade of delight. This landmark in Kingsport, a whirl of memories and joy since its inception, will commemorate its 10th anniversary with a summer-long series of festivities. Announced plans include unveiling a mural, bespoke merchandise in the gift shop, and a series of six fiberglass carousel horses making their debut at the Kingsport Arts Festival in May. Fans and followers can expect a flurry of activity on the carousel's social media channels while details for a birthday bash are forthcoming.
Later this summer, the carousel will hit its 10-year stride in the vibrant walkways of Kingsport. "The Kingsport Carousel is one of the most magical places in our community, and we're excited to invite everyone down to help us celebrate its 10th birthday," Kristie Leonard, Special Event and Cultural Arts Manager, said, per the City of Kingsport's official website. Leonard encourages enthusiasts to stay tuned to their social channels for more details on the celebration.
The history of the carousel, a journey of over half a decade before welcoming guests for the first ride in July 2015, began as one man's vision. Gale Joh, who carried within him the spirit of Binghamton, N.Y.—dubbed the "Carousel Capital of the World"—set the dream in motion. Following Joh's passing in 2010, Reggie Martin, a devoted volunteer, and Joh's widow, former Alderwoman Valerie Joh, spearheaded the project to fruition. The collaborative effort of more than 300 volunteers manifested in meticulously carved wooden animals and a renovated carousel frame, dating back to 1956, hailing from Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Conn.
With its array of 32 wooden animals and two chariots, not forgetting the 24 rounding boards showcasing city landmarks, and an impressive array of 24 sweep animals crowning the attraction, the Kingsport Carousel has become an intrinsic part of the community's cultural fabric. Having hosted upwards of 500,000 riders since its debut, the carousel's allure doesn't diminish. Open throughout the year and with rides only at $1, it's a call to joy for Wednesdays through Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., according to information from the City of Kingsport's announcement.
