National Carousel Day (and a giveaway!)

Today, July 25, is National Carousel Day, so hop on a horse, a giraffe, a reiondeer or sit in a chariot and enjoy a ride on a merry-go-round if you can locate one in your town. If you live here in Topeka, you can enjoy a ride on a 1908 Herschell-Spillman carousel that houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ or you can go to Abilene and visit the C.W. Parker Museum and ride one of his carousels. To the left is the Allan Herschell Carrousel Company in Towanda, New York (established in 1872).

If you live in Iowa, you can choose from four carousels. The one located in Story City is a 1913 Herschell-Spillman, the one in Mt. Pleasant was constructed in 1894 has the original hand-carved animals. There are two replicas, one in the city of Arnolds Park, Iowa and other in Des Moines. Below right is a Herschell-Spillman band organ.

Those of you who regularly visit Writes of Passage know that I have a genuine fondness for carousels which led to me writing The Carousel Painter several years ago. I know I’ve shared lots of pictures of carousels, but I couldn’t let today pass without once again sharing some of my favorite carousel pictures. I stand amazed at the craftsmanship of these artisans!

A wonderful trio of reindeer--aren't they spectacular?

A sweet trio of giraffes looking spotty.

And a wonderful chariot for those who prefer something more tame.

So did you enjoy riding a carousel when you were young? If so, what was your favorite animal?

And in honor of National Carousel Day, I'm giving away a copy of The Carousel Painter.


Here's a quick peek:

When Carrington Brouwer receives the enviable job of painting carousel horses for a factory in Ohio, she believes her future is secure. But after an expensive necklace disappears from the home where she’s been staying, she’s caught up in a search for the truth that puts her entire livelihood—and her developing relationship with the factory manager—at risk. Can she lead police to the real culprit before she loses everything?

If you're interested in winning, just leave a comment and your email address in the comment section below anytime before noon, Tuesday, July 31 and I’ll post the name of the winner on August 1 here on this blog. Sorry, International and Canadian friends, only U.S. mail addresses please.
 
May you find joy as you explore your creativity.

~Judy

P.S. Nancy Mehl is going to be doing Book Banter on her new Mennonite suspense book for Bethany House on Thursday from 11:00 to 1:00 CST, so hop on over and enjoy some fun with Nancy as she tells you about her writing journey and latest book--but wait until tomorrow--she won't be there today. :)