Take a free spin on Balboa Park’s iconic carousel this week

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — One of the most beloved attractions in Balboa Park is giving parkgoers an exciting treat this week.

The historic Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel is hosting a big celebration for National Carousel Day on Thursday , offering parkgoers carnival-style entertainment, live music, refreshments and free spins on the iconic carousel.

“Carousels all over the country celebrate National Carousel Day every July 25th,” carousel manager Bill Brown said in conversation with FOX 5 on Tuesday. The Balboa Park Carousel’s family-friendly celebrations will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But, as he explained, San Diego has an extra special reason to celebrate this National Carousel Day: It’s one of the only historic carousels left in the U.S. with a lot of its original elements still remaining.

The menagerie carousel was originally built by Herschell-Spillman in New York back in 1910, according to Balboa Park . It featured a variety of animal rides, hand-painted murals and a military band organ.

“We’re one of the few carousels that have all the original elements. We still have the original band organ, we still have the brass ring game,” Brown said. The carousel’s motor also still goes at its original speed of 13 miles per hour.

“These old carousels were built for adults and children, they were the thrill ride of the day before rollercoasters,” he continued. “That’s why they go as fast as they do and it’s just a lot of fun for adults and kids.”

The carousel found its permanent home in Balboa Park in 1922 — seven years after it first arrived in San Diego, as an attraction for Coronado’s summer camping resort, Tent City. It was originally placed near the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, but moved to its current spot in 1968.

Many people who grew up in San Diego may have fond memories riding the carousel during an afternoon visit to Balboa Park. That’s exactly the experience Brown had before beginning his decades-long career with the carousel as a 16-year-old in 1972.

“I used to ride it as a kid and I saw how much fun the guys who work there were having,” Brown said. “I’ve been there ever since. It’s a fun job, what can I tell ya.”

The Balboa Park Carousel, which normally operates based on the San Diego Unified School District’s calendar, is open daily throughout the summer from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A turn around the carousel costs $4 for a single ride, or $14 for four rides.

The carousel can be found at 1889 Zoo Pl., adjacent from the Spanish Village and the Balboa Park Miniature Train.

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