Guess who’s turning 100?

On Sunday, June 10th, the Prospect Park Alliance will celebrate the 100th birthday of the Carousel with free rides, children’s activities and cake! Festivities will begin at noon with free rides on the Carousel all day (until 5 p.m.). At 1 p.m, people will gather to sing Happy Birthday to the Carousel and enjoy a special cake in its honor.

A carousel cake? My son had his fifth brithday party at the carousel and we got a carousel cake made at the Cup Cake Cafe in Manhattan. That was such a fun party.

Located in the Park’s “Children’s Corner,” the Carousel features 53 carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.

The animals were carved in 1912 by Charles Carmel, who was trained in the art of carousel horses in Coney Island. The carousel was originally in Coney Island but moved to its current location in 1952.

The carousel was open from 1952 until 1983 but closed because it needed repairs and there was money to do it. Thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance, it reopened in 1990 after an extensive restoration. It was the first capital project taken on by the PPA.

On Sunday June 10th, from noon to 4 p.m. there will be free activities for children both around the Carousel and at Lefferts Historic House.

Look what they’ve got planned:

Stick Horse Relay:
An obstacle course for kids to go through with our colorful stick horses.

Colorful Carousel Craft:
Each child will receive a miniature wooden carousel cut out to decorate.

Horseshoe Toss:
There will be plastic horseshoes and stakes for the kids!