You'd think that I'd have been prepared for the final result.

I was fortunate to have had a chance to take a tour of the new Adirondack Carousel facility before it was completed - in fact the roof wasn't on yet - led by the project's "champion with a capital C" Marge Glowa. She and her husband Ted also took me to where they were storing some of the intricately hand-carved animals before they were mounted on poles for use on the carousel - and I marveled at the detailed craftsmanship.

The Carousel opened to the public in May amid great celebration, but I hadn't had a chance to go check it out until just recently. I was in Saranac Lake doing errands on a rare-this-summer rainy day, and as I drove past the Carousel, decided I should stop in and take some pictures.

The walkway leading to the building that houses the Carousel is comprised of sponsored pavers - a lot of them - an indication of how dear this project is to the community. The building is intended to be used to promote the Adirondacks via educational workshops, art exhibitions, and Adirondack-related children's programs, and can be rented for special events.

The festive music claimed my attention as I walked through the entrance doors, and then I looked to the left. There it was; a magnificent piece - rather - HUNDREDS of carefully crafted pieces all put together to form a moving, functional, entertaining work of fine art.

As I stood there in awe in the entrance, I was spied by the Carousel's executive director, Paula Hameline from her post inside the gate that separates the line from the Carousel itself for safety. She invited me in and we talked while the current ride completed its revolutions. The ride concluded, and the happy riders dismounted and departed, but not before posing for more pictures with their favorite Adirondack characters.

Riders can choose from 18 Adirondack wildlife characters or an accessible chris craft- style chariot. I walked around the entire ride while it was motionless and stared in amazement at both the animals and the beautiful murals that adorn the top. To say the very least, this is no regular fair merry-go-round, that's for sure.

There were some more folks in line, and Paula asked me if I wanted to ride. At first I declined; I was just there to take pictures. Within three seconds, however, I was easily convinced to change my mind - and I would ride the porcupine.

The ride started. I will admit that I couldn't help smiling the whole time the ride went around and around, the music playing. When it ended, I dismounted and like the riders before me, took a few more pictures, reluctant to exit the building.

According to their website, the Carousel hopes to encourage youth to "enjoy the outdoors and have fun while doing it". According to Paula, the Carousel has been well-received and busy in its first summer, and has attracted as many adults as children since opening. She also said that the striking beauty of the attraction has elicited tears from many of the adults when they see it for the first time.

I did manage to refrain from breaking into tears, but they can certainly add me to their list of fans.

The Adirondack Carousel is a not-for-profit organization. The attraction is located at 2 Depot St. in the William Morris park, in front of the old Saranac Lake Train Depot, within walking distance to downtown Saranac Lake. Learn more and see pictures of the Adirondack Carousel characters on their website, www.adirondackcarousel.org 

 

- Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Lake Placid CVB/Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.