Going on a decade of use and having carried over 350,000 riders, the animals of the Heritage Carousel are in need of more than just the general care and touch-up given to them each year. But after attention from the staff of Carousel Works, the original creators of this authentic carousel that resides in Union Park, Des Moines, it will look as good as new!

Each of the animals on the carousel will get help from Carrie Ritchie and staff, painters from Carousel Works of Mansfield, Ohio. Richie, who is one of the most experienced painters at Carousel Works, will be working on the Heritage Carousel from March 21 through March 23. She and her staff will initially assess every figure on the carousel and note what care each one might need. Most areas in need of touch-up are the “wear areas” on the animal – the saddle and sides where the riders’ legs rub against the figure.

Each figure will be wiped down to remove surface debris. Any displaced clear coat varnish will also be removed at this point before starting the touch-up process. They will then start the touch-up of the colors by matching and reapplying several coats of new paint. The figures are re-painted using the same methods that are used in the Carousel Works Factory. Once the paint is dry, the painters will re-apply several coats of the protective clear coat varnish so the figures will shine!

Carousel Works is the world’s leading expert in wooden carousel design and manufacturing creating authentic, original and quality brass and wooden carousels. Using trained wood carvers and other artists who hand paint each animal, Carousel Works is known for the detail and beauty in their creations. As with the unique paintings that reflect the heritage of Des Moines and surrounding communities, they create each carousel they make unique to its placement.

The Heritage Carousel will open for the season on Saturday, May 19th, 2007. It will have part-time hours until Memorial Day weekend when the full-time schedule will begin. It is available for events and rental before the official season begins.

For more information on Heritage Carousel, activities, birthday parties or special events rental, sponsorship or volunteering, please call 515-323-8200 or go to www.heritagecarousel.org.