Round and round it goes—Kingsport Carousel is back in action! As of today, the beloved carousel, spinning tales of joy since 2015, is once again turning with its brightly colored menagerie. Heads up, residents and visitors—after a brief hiatus for maintenance, the city has given the green light for the fun to resume.

If you were wondering why the carousel gates stayed shut for the past month, it’s not because the town’s love for a good ride has faded. The closure, which spanned the entire month of January, was due to "routine maintenance," according to the City of Kingsport. During that time, employees worked hard to keep the carousel in top shape for everyone to enjoy. The gates are now open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Let's talk about this carousel for a hot minute. Situated at 320 Clinchfield Street, this isn't your run-of-the-mill merry-go-round. It’s equipped with over 30 hand-carved and painted creatures ready to take riders of all ages on a whimsical spin. You’ve got everything from domestic pets to mythical beasts anchored in wood, and hopping on one will only set you back a buck—talk about affordable escapism. Over half a million riders from all corners, whether they hail from the 50 states or across international waters, have hopped aboard since its grand opening in July 2015.