CALENDAR

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’ O U R ND AND ’ RO UND

Ohio runs circles around the rest as a carousel capital.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

In the United States, the golden age of carousels lasted roughly from 1880 to 1925 and generated more than 3,000 of the enchantingly colorful and musical rides — of which only about 150 have survived. Ohio, in fact, is a wellspring of whirligigs: home to numerous historic carousels, as well as modern ones that flaunt figures with a decidedly local spin — like an Ohio State University horse. It’s also home to a leading merry-go-round manufacturer, Carousels and Carvings in Marion, which repairs, restores, and creates entire carousels.

Since July 25 is National Carousel Day, we’ve assembled a sampling of Ohio’s carousels. These timeless attractions are poetry in motion and fun for young and old alike.

COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT

Cedar Point’s Terrific Trio

Amusement parks often brag about possessing one classic carousel, so how special is it that Cedar Point owns three? Built in 1912, the Midway Carousel (shown at left) is Cedar Point’s oldest operating ride. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and offers 60 horses that are rare examples of master carver Daniel Muller’s handiwork. Also on the National Register, Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, created in the 1920s by William Dentzel, includes the exquisite king-armored horse that was selected for a U.S. postage stamp. Cedar Downs is one of only two working racing derby carousels in the United States. Made by Prior and Church in 1920, it features 64 dashing steeds atop a giant turntable. www.cedarpoint.com

Carousel of Dayton Innovation

Saluting iconic Dayton businesses and the city’s “Birthplace of Aviation” reputation, the carousel at Carillon Historical Park delivers a ride like no other. Its clever figures include Orville Wright’s beloved Saint Bernard, Scipio; a Huffy bicycle; an NCR cash register; and a box of Esther Price candy. www.daytonhistory.org

Columbus Zoo Grand Carousel

Originally manufactured by the W.F. Mangels Company in 1914, this restored carousel features 53 horses originally carved by Marcus Illions (aka “the Michelangelo of carousel carvers”). It has a prime location near the zoo’s Manatee Coast and beckons riders with the nostalgic sound of its Wurlitzer 153 band organ. www.columbuszoo.org

Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel

Though Euclid Beach closed decades ago, its 1910 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel (aka PTC No. 19) whirls on inside a pavilion at the Cleveland History Center. The carousel’s ornate horses have been restored to their original glory, and its hand-painted panels showcase Terminal Tower, the West Side Market, and other local scenes. www.wrhs.org/explore/exhibits/ euclid-beach-park-grand-carousel