Open since May 29, 2010, the Carousel of Happiness is delightful. For those of you in Denver, it is a short field trip to Nederland to see a man's dream turned into reality. I was able to ride the Carousel, and highly recommend to you the smile-inducing treat. (See photos of many of the 38 hand-carved, wooden animals in short clips from here to here.)
And this non-profit contributes to underprivileged children. From the Web site:
A sustainable outpost of joy and giving for Colorado children. The Carousel of Happiness was conceived as an instrument of giving. It will give joy to all who ride, watch the galloping art, and listen to the historic music, to be sure. But it will also be an instrument of aid for Colorado children deprived of joy in their lives for a myriad of reasons. The carousel board of directors, or a separate foundation established for the purpose, will oversee the distribution of all profits after operating expenses to organizations and institutions that serve underprivileged and aggrieved children. Profits will come from riding fees, a small gift shop inside the carousel building, and proceeds from special events held in a room designed for this purpose.
Read here about how Scott Harrison transformed thoughts he had while listening to a music box in Viet Nam into this lovely creation. Do you have a dream not yet realized? Ride the Carousel and perhaps you will be inspired to make your own dream come true.
Click here to read a sweet poem written by some of the Carousel's founders, which reminds us of what riding a merry-go-round can teach us about life.
Note: Click to watch more video of Scott Harrison and the animals. Here's an article about the story of the carousel (Estes Part Trail Gazette). And a great photo of the giraffe and snake (One Day on Earth).
Note (added May 11, 2011): "Carousel of Happiness in Colorado Celebrates First Year" (Carousel News & Trader).
Image credits: Carousel of Happiness and Dung hoe.
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