Ohio's numerous merry-go-rounds put a fun spin on National Carousel Day
July 25 has been recognized as National Carousel Day since 2014.
Though William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa, was issued the first American patent for a carousel in 1871, carousels have been spinning at amusement parks across the country for the better part of eight centuries.
The carnival staple's origins stem back to the 12th century, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Arabian and Turkish warriors had a war training game they called "little war," which involved clay balls being filled with perfume that they would toss back and forth to each other.
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"Garosello" and "carosella," the Spanish and Italian words, respectively, for "little war," eventually became the French word "carousel."
The earliest carousels were either man-powered or animal-powered. Men would sometimes hand crank the carousel or have a mule pull it along.
In 1861, the game changed when Thomas Bradshaw patented the first steam-powered carousel; the majority of carousels in operation today are still run by steam.
For people wanting a merry (go-round) time celebrating the birthday of the carousel, Ohio has plenty to choose from.
Carousels in Columbus
Between looking at the zebras and lions at the Columbus Zoo, guests can take a ride on some horses at the Zoo's Grand Carousel.
Located in the Shores region near Manatee Coast, the historic 1914 Mangels-Illions Carousel runs daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There also is a fully restored band organ that operates intermittently throughout the day. The carousel costs $2 per rider but is free for gold members.
One of the newest carousels in the state, according to the State of Ohio's tourism website, is in Columbus Commons. The carousel is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is closed on holidays. Hours are subject to change for weather and special events. The carousel is sponsored by PNC Bank and all rides are free!
Groups of more than 10 people anticipating a ride should use Columbus Commons' calendar reservation system 72 hours in advance.
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Other Carousels at Ohio zoos
Akron Zoo's Conservation Carousel features 33 different animals, costs $2 per rider and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Toledo Zoo's African Carousel costs $3 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. depending on weather and park attendance. Lucas County residents get into the Toledo Zoo free on Mondays with proof of residency, perfect for National Carousel Day. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden also has a Conservation Carousel that runs daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Platinum and gold members have access to the carousel for free, while standard guests pay $3 a ticket.
Carousels at Ohio's theme parks
For amusement park-goers who want to celebrate the merry-go-round's special day and also ride some roller coasters, Kings Island and Cedar Point have it covered.
In Mason, Kings Island's Grand Carousel is the oldest attraction in the park and one of the last antique carousels still operating in the country.
Cedar Point in Sandusky is home to three carousels. Between the Midway Carousel, the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel and the Cedar Downs Racing Derby, guests will be dizzy by the end of the day.
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Each year since 1991, Mansfield's Richland Carrousel Park has hosted the first indoor hand-carved wooden carousel to be built and operated in the country since the 1930s.
For more information on the carousels in Ohio, visit the state's tourism website at https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/ohios-grand-carousels.
David Kwiatkowski is a features intern for The Columbus Dispatch. You can reach him on Twitter @kwiatkdm or his email [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: National Carousel Day is July 25. Where are the carousels in Ohio?
