Carole Rowe, Nederland. The Carousel of Happiness will increase its price to $2 per ride beginning Thursday, April 4, 2019. The primary reason for the increase is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Carousel in Nederland.

In particular, there are concerns about the potential for costly repairs to the antique carousel mechanism and Wurlitzer band organ. The Carousel’s Board of Directors is committed to developing sufficient reserves to avoid a long-term closure.

This will be the first time in nearly nine years of operations that the ride price has been raised, even though payroll and other administrative costs have risen steadily since 2010.

The board solicited input from the National Carousel Association, and was urged to develop sufficient reserves to manage a possible breakdown. The NCA indicated the general price for carousel rides throughout the country is currently $2; many carousels charge more, and only a few charge less.
The board invites any feedback about the effects of the price increase on the community to be sent by email to feedback@carouselofhappiness.org.

The board is grateful for the community’s continued support as it takes this necessary action to address the long-term financial health of the Carousel.

(Originally published in the March 21, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)