About the Carousel

The past president of the National Carousel Association, Bette Largent, and her associate, Sue Baldwin, were responsible for completing the restoration of all the animals and chariots on the Gesa Carousel of Dreams.

The two artisans worked for over 10 years restoring one animal at a time. They tirelessly removed all the nails, screws and miscellaneous pieces of metal from previous repairs, which included a number of hooves and ears, and brough them back to life through the wonderful paint and jewels on the horses today. Both have said several times it was truly and honor for them to be part of the restoration of this historic carousel.

Thank you both!

The incredible full-size carousel horse weathervane on top of the carousel building is a true work of art. Chris Huffman of Sundown Metal Art in Hermiston, Oregon created and donated the piece to the Gesa Carousel of Dreams shortly before the grand opening in 2014.

Chris hand-pounded the beautiful horse out of 12-gauge steel the old fashioned way: with a hammer and heat.

A special thanks goes to the Kennewick Fire Department who donated their time and equipment to attach it to the top of the cupola a week before the carousel opened.

Carousels have been around for hundreds of years and games involving brass rings are even older, having begun in the Middle Ages when knights practiced horsemanship and jousting. Some of these games included riding at full speed while attempting to spear a small ring suspended from a tree or pole.

The brass ring game on the Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a later version of that tradition. While the number of traditional carousels featuring a brass ring game is limited, we are proud to be one of the few still challenging young and old to reach for and grab the brass ring.

If you are lucky enough to grab the brass ring, you will win a ticket for a free ride on the carousel. Go for it! Reach for the Brass Ring!

The lead horse on a traditional carousel is very special. It is typically the most valuable of all the animals and is very distinct. It is a “stander” horse, so it does not go up and down. It also has distinctive armor on its body.

The lead horse on the Gesa Carousel of Dreams has been deemed the “Honor Horse” and is dedicated to veterans of the United States Military. Those wishing to honor their veteran can make a donation to the carousel and receive a brass plate on the wall of honor with their service information.

You will find it by looking at the lower edge of the carousel platter. It is labled section 1 and on the outside row.

The Washington State University Cougar is a very special treasure that was carved by local craftsman Mike Thornton and then donated to the Gesa Carousel of Dreams. Mike spent four months carving this unique animal, paying close attention to each detail. It was then beautifully painted by Sue Baldwin of Republic, Washington.

An apple adorns the Cougar’s neck each time the Cougars win the Apple Cup, the intrastate rivalry game between the University of Washington and Washington State.

Audrey Simmelink adopted the Cougar and named it Cork’s Cougar in honor of her late husband.

The University of Washington Husky is a special gift from the Pony Keepers of the Carousel of Missoula, Montana Carving Club. As a longtime tradition among clubs, The Gesa Carousel of Dreams sent blocks of basswood to the carving club and they in turn gifted back the treasure of the Husky.

R.J and Diane Hock adopted the animal and it is now called RJ’s Husky.

An apple adorns the Husky’s neck each time the Huskies win the Apple Cup, the intrastate rivalry game between the University of Washington and Washington State.

There are three beautiful chariots (or benches as they are affectionally called), each one carved by Charles Carmel. The bench seats were designed and constructed by Mike Thornton. He took great care to ensure the benches fit perfectly with the chariots’ design and fit two riders comfortably.

One of the chariots was converted to be wheelchair accessible and is ADA compliant. Mike carefully designed a bench seat that would fold up to allow the wheelchair to become part of the chariot and left a portion of the front seat intact so a caregiver loved one could ride right beside them.

The “Heart Stone” tells the story of the carousel and how it became a reality. Paul Reisinger and those at Earthworks donated the stone and Mike and Barb Johnson from Bedrock Specialty Stone did the engraving. The stone can be found in front of the building as you enter the building.

At the time of construction of the carousel building in 2014, the board of directors enclosed a time capsule in the building. Behind a wall adjacent to the Event Center is the capsule that contains and assortment of items which were gathered over the history of the 13-year restoration and building project. Each item is a snapshot into the journey of making the Gesa Carousel of Dreams a reality.

The time capsule is to be opened 50 years from the date of the grand opening on September 2, 2064.