May 9 2008   

What is happening right now?

The Design Committee has completed the mechanical plans for the drive system on the carousel.  Due to age, parts of the mechanical system will need to be rebuilt.  These plans are now being integrated into the building design.  A local contractor has agreed to provide cost estimates for construction of the carousel building based upon existing plans.

The Fund Raising Committee is finalizing plans for raising the over $2M required to refurbish the carousel and construct a building to house it.  Two menagerie animals,  a Cougar and a Husky (WSU and UofW mascots) are currently in a fund raising competition.  Each horse, the Cougar and Husky, will be adopted and sponsored on the carousel.  Five horses have already been adopted (see Gallery for pictures and names).  Create a legacy for your family, a child or grandchild or business by sponsoring a horse and giving it a name in perpetuity. For more information, please contact us at info@threeriverscarousel.org

The Public Relations Committee is working on providing community updates on the carousel and how you might get involved in building this community treasure. If you would like a presentation to your group, contact us at info@threeriverscarousel.org

The Executive Committee is finalizing the business plan for the construction phase and the operating phase that follows.  One interesting aspect of the carousel’s tax exempt status, is that the foundation must also operate a museum at the carousel.  Initial planning will include traveling exhibits of carousel history and wood carving demonstrations that will provide  real life experience in the development of the works of art that constitute historic carousels.

Each committee needs volunteers with expertise in design/construction, fund-raising, community education and planning. If you would like to help to build this community legacy, please contact Bob Kelly at   info@threeriverscarousel.org