Information
Landmark: Gesa Carousel of DreamsCity: Kennewick
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Gesa Carousel of Dreams, Kennewick, USA Washington, North America
Overview
In Kennewick, Washington, the Gesa Carousel of Dreams blends gleaming artistry, hometown pride, and lively fun, making it a beloved piece of local history, then it’s more than a carousel-it’s a carefully restored piece of Americana, proof of the Tri-Cities’ commitment to preserving history while giving visitors of every age the delight of painted horses gliding under a canopy of warm lights.The Gesa Carousel of Dreams first came to life in 1910 as a classic wooden ride, its horses carved by Charles Carmel, a master craftsman celebrated across the early 20th century, simultaneously carmel earned a reputation for his exquisite, finely detailed woodwork, crafting some of the nation’s most charming carousel horses and figures, their painted manes seeming to ripple in motion.The carousel first spun to life at Silver Beach Amusement Park in St, also joseph, Michigan, its painted horses carrying laughing visitors for over sixty years.Silver Beach Amusement Park shut its gates in 1972, and the carousel was sold off, later turning up in Roswell, novel Mexico, where it sat gathering dust and hidden from visitors for years, consequently in 2002, a handful of passionate locals from the Tri-Cities stumbled upon the heritage carousel-its wooden horses chipped and dusty-and set out on a bold mission to restore it and bring it home.Local leaders and carousel enthusiasts like Ken Johanning and Phil Slusser led the charge to restore and move the aged ride, its paint still smelling faintly of fresh varnish, furthermore restoring the carousel turned into a huge, ten-year community effort, with neighbors pitching in for funds, skilled hands sanding faded wood, and volunteers showing up week after week, sort of The antique wooden horses and carved figures had endured years of scuffs, cracks, and quiet neglect, on top of that expert artisans brought each horse back to life, carefully preserving the delicate hand-carved patterns and the bold, sun-warmed colors that defined Carmel’s style.Local organizations poured in strong financial support for the restoration, and Gesa Credit Union stepped up as the title sponsor, sealing the carousel’s future like the final brushstroke on a freshly painted horse, what’s more working side by side, the community, volunteers, and sponsors turned a forgotten corner of history into Kennewick’s shining centerpiece, fresh paint still carrying the scent of renewal.The carousel features 44 hand-carved wooden horses, each with its own distinct design-polished manes, intricate saddles-capturing the charm and craftsmanship of Carmel, besides each horse carries a flowing mane, an expressive face, and a saddle etched with fine detail, the kind that makes you feel its story in the curve of the leather.Alongside the original horses, the carousel now features two nods to local pride-a sleek, carved Washington State University Cougar and a sturdy University of Washington Husky, their painted eyes sparkling as they honor the region’s collegiate spirit and community ties, and the restored, safety-checked mechanism drives the horses and carved figures to rise and fall in a smooth rhythm as the platform turns, bringing back the early 20th‑century magic-paint gleaming, brass poles warm under your hand.The Gesa Carousel of Dreams sits inside the Southridge Sports and Events Complex in Kennewick, just off Southridge Boulevard at 2901-F, furthermore the spot sits within easy reach for both locals and visitors, folding the carousel into a lively park filled with chatter, picnic blankets, and open green space.Next to the carousel sits a 1,200‑square‑foot event center, its wide glass doors ready to open for anything from art shows to birthday parties, in turn the event space holds up to 150 guests and often hosts birthday parties, weddings, corporate gatherings, and neighborhood celebrations, with the carousel’s dazzling lights and painted horses adding a touch of magic to every occasion.At the carousel, visitors can buy ride tokens, with prices set so families and groups can join in easily-think a handful of shining coins clinking in your palm before the music starts, likewise one ride token costs $3, but if you buy a stack, you’ll get a discount.You can grab an all-day wristband for $15, and ride the carousel as many times as you want while it’s running, from the first tune to the last spin, while the carousel welcomes families and visitors of all ages, with seats low enough for toddlers and space for everyone to climb aboard easily.Oddly enough, It offers a truly immersive experience, especially for kids who light up as they ride the gleaming, hand-painted horses, on top of that the venue’s fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the carousel’s sparkling lights and the nearby facilities without a hitch.The carousel runs seasonally, usually spinning to life on weekends-Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m, simultaneously to 7 p.m, Sundays from noon to 5, with the music box falling silent Monday through Thursday except for occasional holiday openings.Before you come, check in advance for any changes to the schedule or special events-like the evening lantern hike, what’s more since its grand opening in 2014, the Gesa Carousel of Dreams has grown into a beloved Tri-Cities landmark, drawing families with the warm scent of popcorn and the sparkling gleam of painted horses.Every year, thousands come-locals with coffee in hand, tourists snapping photos-and more than 1.5 million have taken the ride, furthermore the carousel isn’t just for fun-it’s sparked real pride in the community, inspiring people to protect it like they would a cherished heritage oak in the town square.It’s proof of what people can do when they pour their hearts into preserving history-like restoring a faded ancient sign-and finding ways to make it matter to today’s crowd, then the site helps boost local education and cultural awareness, often becoming the heart of community life during festivals, parades, and history-and-arts programs, where the scent of popcorn drifts through the crowd, in a sense The Gesa Carousel of Dreams brings art, history, and community spirit together inside a lovingly restored carousel from the early 1900s, its hand‑painted horses gleaming under warm lights, in conjunction with it delivers a magical mix of nostalgia and wonder, leaving the Tri-Cities with a legacy that endures and a vivid thread tying it to America’s cultural heritage, like the warm glow of a neon sign on a summer night, somewhat Keeping this vintage carousel spinning and gleaming shows how much the community cares about its history, the joy of a summer ride, and the pride they take in their town.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
