I have, since I was a small girl been enthralled with carousels. Who would have ever thought that in North Bay ON I would see a world class example...actually make that 2 and VERY fine examples they would be.
The very helpful young gal (Nicole) at the Comfort Inn in
North Bay at Lakeside gave hubby and I a list of must do's...She was able to give us really great suggestions and directions. This little lady is a very dedicated employee (she worked two shifts back to back to cover for a gal whose child came down with small pox) and she is very cheerful and helpful - a real customer service super star and I want to thank her publicly for helping to make my day so enjoyable.
Any way - list and map courtesy of Nicole, in hand...off we went.
Down at the wharf we toured the original Chief Commanda ship that is now a restaurant/pub you see below...
The marina and area around the old Chief Commanda are beautiful and I can see that during the peak of the tourism/summer season would be a hopping place.
We were not certain that we were going to get the chance to see the hand carved carousel's at the Heritage Railway & Carousel across the street...but "Auntie Gail" make sure that we did!
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| The caboose that acts as a boarding station for the miniature railway... |
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| The master plan for the rail road to join the Museum to the water front
area - the museum is located across the railroad tracks. The day we
visited North Bay the museum was closed but I am told it is very worth
going to. |
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| Auntie Gail getting one of three trains ready for the day. Gail is one
of many volunteers who works on the Heritage Railway & Carousel.
The trains each cost about $100K each. |
North Bay is a rail way town with a rich rail way history and has a devoted and dedicated volunteer community that works hard to preserve the memories.
In all - 180 artists and carvers along with 50 carpenters to put it all together were involved with the creation of two very different but equally stunning carousels.
The craftsmanship and artistry in these carousels is something to behold. These are fantastic examples of the local artisans...that's right, the carousels you see here are all made by local artists.
There is a plaque beside every horse or seating piece that tells you which family/business adopted the piece and it's name.
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| Carved horses |
The music, the exquisitely carved horses ...the art work and the memories....what a delight this carousel was - but this was not all that Auntie Gail had to show us....
A second carousel - VERY different from the first was waiting under the tent you see below...
Winter - Santa and all things childhood fantasy awaited! It was just as gorgeous and stunning as the first one...
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| The seahorse was so pretty... |
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| Santa's sleigh was a hoot. |
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| The hare and the wolf were so intricately done.... |
The beaver was a bit of whimsy...
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| The raccoon and her baby sat next to the lynx... |
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| Auntie Gail and mee |
Gail explained to us that the entire Heritage Railway & Carousel is funded by local sponsors and through some grants. The money that they make from giving rides and selling souvenirs takes care of much of the operational expenses. So, hubby and I went to the gift shop and tried to just donate some money because this place is so amazing but nope - they don't take donations so we bought the smallest keepsakes they had, some train key chains and off we went to our next adventure...
Until later...ride safe....
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