Our spectacular Carousel of Happiness is certainly not a new business in Nederland, having opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2010. Nor are their retail offerings – how many of us have bought and given Carousel gifts of T-shirts or books?
But this month’s new offering from the Carousel is like nothing we’ve ever seen. Written by Carousel creator Scott Harrison, Carousel Soul: Inside the Carousel of Happiness is “the quintessential story of the Carousel of Happiness, how it came to be and the backstory of its animals and other inhabitants. You'll find all the wondrous things you may have missed the first time around….”
As the back cover blurb for the book asks, “What is it that transforms a menagerie of wooden animals and a century-old machine into a place of wonder and happiness?”
In the book, Harrison looks at each of the very special animals he’s designed and created. We can also read many visitors’ comments from the guest book, and see page after page of photos and behind-the-scenes stories.
Retailing for $69.95, the book can be an even better deal for end-of-year donors: a donation of more than $150 to the Carousel of Happiness through Colorado Gives will get you a link to purchase an autographed copy of the book for $30 (plus tax), or $1 if the donation is $200 or more. Shipping is free, either way. Every sale of the book helps to keep the Carousel spinning and the joy in full spate.
Of course, the book can be shipped anywhere, and makes a very special holiday gift.
Executive Director Melody Baumhover explains (for newcomers, or someone who’s been living under a rock for 14 years) that the Carousel is “on a mission to inspire happiness, well-being, and service to others through stories and experiences. The magic of the Carousel of Happiness is an ethereal feeling that moves the soul…. [T]he ‘Carousel magic’ is so evidently felt by those that walk through the doors. When we hear Scott's story and ponder the work he did to build this special place, we are humbled by such a daunting feat miraculously accomplished.”
Baumhover goes on to add that “We'd love to hear from you! We are collecting stories from our staff, volunteers, and visitors to share in a new podcast that launches in January. If you have a story you'd like to share, email us at outreach@carouselofhappiness.org.”
The Carousel sits in the center of town, at 20 Lakeview Drive, Unit Carousel, Nederland. Learn more about the Carousel on the website, www.carouselofhappiness.org. Phone is 303-258-3457.
