Gesa Carousel of Dreams | Kennewick

The Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick, Washington, is a remarkable and cherished historical and cultural attraction that combines artistry, community spirit, and entertainment in a unique way. It is more than just a carousel-it represents a significant preservation project and a symbol of the Tri-Cities’ dedication to maintaining a piece of Americana while providing an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

Historical Background and Origins

The Gesa Carousel of Dreams originally began its life in 1910 as a classic wooden carousel handcrafted by Charles Carmel, one of the most renowned carousel carvers of the early 20th century. Carmel was known for his exquisite, detailed woodwork and is credited with creating some of the most beautiful carousel horses and figures in the United States. The carousel was initially installed at the Silver Beach Amusement Park in St. Joseph, Michigan, where it delighted visitors for more than six decades.

When Silver Beach Amusement Park closed in 1972, the carousel was sold and eventually relocated to Roswell, New Mexico, where it remained out of the public eye for many years. It was in 2002 that a group of dedicated enthusiasts from the Tri-Cities area discovered the carousel and embarked on an ambitious mission to bring it back to life and return it to their community. This group included local leaders and carousel aficionados such as Ken Johanning and Phil Slusser, who spearheaded the restoration and relocation efforts.

Restoration and Community Effort

The restoration of the carousel was a massive, decade-long community project that required careful craftsmanship, funding, and volunteer support. The original wooden horses and figures had suffered years of wear, damage, and neglect. Each horse was painstakingly restored to its original glory by expert artisans, preserving the intricate hand-carved details and vibrant colors typical of Carmel’s work.

The restoration project received significant financial backing from local organizations, with Gesa Credit Union becoming the title sponsor, which helped secure the carousel’s future. The collaboration between the community, volunteers, and sponsors transformed a neglected piece of history into a gleaming centerpiece for Kennewick.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The carousel boasts 44 hand-carved wooden horses, each unique in its design and richly detailed, reflecting Carmel’s artistry. These horses are adorned with flowing manes, expressive faces, and detailed saddles, each telling its own story through craftsmanship.

In addition to the original horses, two modern additions celebrate local culture: the carousel includes a carved figure of the Washington State University Cougar and the University of Washington Husky, acknowledging the region’s collegiate pride and community connection.

The carousel’s mechanism, restored and upgraded for safety and reliability, powers the horses and other figures to move up and down gracefully as the platform revolves, recreating the magical ride experience typical of early 20th-century carousels.

Location and Facility

The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is housed within the Southridge Sports and Events Complex in Kennewick, at 2901-F Southridge Boulevard. The location allows easy access for residents and tourists and integrates the carousel into a larger recreational and community space.

Alongside the carousel is a 1,200-square-foot event center, making the site versatile for various activities. This event space can accommodate up to 150 guests and is frequently used for birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and community celebrations, leveraging the carousel’s charm to enhance special occasions.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Visitors to the carousel can purchase ride tokens, with pricing structured to accommodate families and groups. A single ride token costs $3, with discounts available for bulk purchases. An all-day wristband option is also offered at $15, granting unlimited rides throughout the carousel’s operating hours.

The carousel is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to a wide range of visitors. It provides an immersive experience, especially for children, who enjoy riding the beautifully restored horses. The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the carousel and associated facilities.

Operating Hours

The carousel operates seasonally, generally open on weekends:

Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Closed Monday through Thursday, with occasional holiday variations.

Visitors are encouraged to check ahead for any schedule changes or special events.

Cultural and Community Impact

Since its grand opening in 2014, the Gesa Carousel of Dreams has become an iconic landmark and a beloved attraction in the Tri-Cities region. It draws thousands of visitors annually, both locals and tourists, and has served over 1.5 million riders.

The carousel’s impact goes beyond entertainment; it has fostered a strong sense of community pride and preservation. It stands as a testament to what collective dedication and passion can achieve in saving a piece of history and making it relevant for contemporary audiences.

The site also supports local education and cultural awareness, often serving as a focal point during community festivals, parades, and educational programs about local history and arts.

Summary

The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a masterful blend of art, history, and community spirit housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century carousel. It offers an enchanting experience filled with nostalgia and wonder, providing a lasting legacy for the Tri-Cities area and a vivid connection to American cultural heritage. The dedication to restoring and maintaining this carousel reflects the community’s values of historical preservation, family-friendly entertainment, and civic pride.