Jennifer Livingston, Nederland. A fuchsia sunset, tinged by gold, lingered above Nederland on Saturday, September 7, as patrons dressed in evening finery, sauntered toward the adored and iconic Carousel of Happiness. The smiling faces of humans, and colorful animals, shone through the carousel building’s windows. Scott Harrison stood outside in a dashing black sport coat speaking with a fellow veteran.

Most Nederland folks know, of course, that Harrison is the man behind the carousel. Many also know the carousel as transformation of the horror and inhumanity of war into beauty, creativity and a special honoring of lives and stories. Within the carousel is a photo of Chris Longenfeld, a friend of Harrison’s, young and handsome in his uniform, and killed in Vietnam. The death of Longenfeld left wounds in the hearts of Harrison and Tom Langkau who was Longenfeld’s buddy back home. 

Lankau spent long years reaching out to veteran’s organizations searching for information about the death of his friend. Then the internet happened, and Lankau’s query was found by Harrison. Questions were answered, wounds healed a little, Lankau met the carousel, and has been an avid supporter since. He flew all the way from Orlando to attend Animals After Dark and contributed generously toward the ongoing maintenance of the carousel. “It’s really up to you guys though,” he said, “this carousel is in your town to be supported and appreciated, it’s just the right thing to do.”

Attendees feasted on delicious and beautifully arranged hors d’oeuvres created by Kristen Philbrook, who also donated handmade, to order, cheesecakes to the silent auction. Volunteers Meredith Robinson, Chelsey Havill and Ryan LaForge tended bar serving up smiles, beer and sangria. The compelling music and goosebump inducing vocals of Arwen and The Gael moved to silence as Harrison thanked all who came out for the carousel, and introduced Don Hein, one of the very few who can repair and maintain a Wurlitzer. In fact, very few carousels with real instrument playing band organs remain in the nation. Volunteer operator Burt Rashbaum ensured everyone was safely astride or betwixt the animals as a special slow waltz was played and the grins began. Rashbaum’s new book of carousel inspired poetry will be available in the carousel gift shop soon.

Then the auction began, expertly and hilariously emceed by Kayla Evans. All bidders chose puppet animals such that the frog was outbidding the rabbit and the owl. All manner of items and experiences were donated including a handmade carousel pendant from the Bill Ikler Studio, a fun tour of local Double B R Alpaca Ranch, a hands on brewing experience at Knotted Root Brewing, and many more generous donations. Outreach Organizer Mary Heinrich explained that funds were needed for ongoing maintenance and preservation of the carousel and special programming such as events for kids with special needs. 

Carousel of Happiness board member Carol Rowe is inspired to be involved “because of the people.” Philbrook does it for the “love of her mountain family.” Bunny Spangler had adopted the St. Bernard with his brandy keg, and her eyes sparkled to match her sequins when she spoke about the carousel and the special spot it holds in Nederland. From fallen friends too young to die, and wounds cut beyond flesh, to joy and remembrance on faces smooth and weathered. The Carousel of Happiness is many things to many people and like the community it’s nestled in, incredibly special.  

(Originally published in the September 12, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)