Carousel open for business

Steve Hart and his family wait in line to ride North Bay’s heritage carousel Sunday afternoon.

Spending a dollar doesn’t get you far these days.

However at the waterfront, a dollar will have you riding in circles as North Bay’s Heritage Carousel starts its 2006 season.

The Carousel, which first started spinning in July of 2002, is a replica of an early 1900’s model. The carousel includes 33 hand carved horses, and 28 original paintings.

“We opened up Friday night, for Mother’s Day weekend,” Dan Pigeau, Executive for the Heritage Railway and Carousel said.

Pigeau explained the second Carousel at the waterfront is also ready to go. The horses on the second carousel have been replaced with animals that are indigenous to Northern Ontario. Unfortunately, the second carousel isn’t running yet.

“We’re short of volunteers this year to help out on weekends,” Pigeau said.

“So were looking for more to come out and join us, so we can have all the activities going.”

Pigeau explained everyone is welcome to come and ride the carousel.

“We hope lots of people come out to join us,” he said.

“We accept children of all ages.”

Steve Hart agrees the carousel is fun for everyone.

“I love it. You can bring you kids down, you can bring your mom and dad, and you can bring anybody and have a good time”

Hart, 32, explained he brought his mother and grandmother to the carousel for mother’s day.

“Hopefully next week I’ll bring my two nieces.”