New Carousel

‘Like a Humming Bird in a shoebox’, that is the description Chris Jacobs used to depict how his father would have been with today’s unveiling of the second Carousel project instillation the ‘Winter Wonderland Carousel’ during the Canada Day celebrations.

Barry Jacobs was the driving force behind the Carousel project, that saw local volunteers and artisans join together to hand carve and paint a true piece of art, and sadly Jacobs passed away just prior to seeing his beloved first Carousel opened.

The truth is the original project was just having the final touches applied and Jacobs had already sold three (3) figures on the new Winter Wonderland Carousel.

His presence was felt by all at today’s unveiling as the Jacobs family pitched in, on what turned out to be a very busy day, to sell souvenirs and tickets as well and making sure the trains ran on time.

11 year veteran with the Heritage Railroad and Carousel, Howe Saunders, said the committee new if the weather was good they would get a great crowd.

“In a word ‘Yes’ we are busy.”

“The unveiling of the Winter Wonderland Carousel went really well and the crowd is still here and it has been going steady ever since,” said Saunders.

The Heritage Railroad and Carousel was so busy that they had two trains running today and Saunders said that shows how the waterfront project is moving ahead.

“I see North Bay as having one of the best waterfronts in the province, but it is not going to happen overnight.”

Although, Saunders did say the announcement made by MPP Monique Smith today for a million plus dollars in funding to clean up the rail lands coupled with MP Anthony Rota’s half a million dollars in funds announced last week will move the project ahead.

“We will move this new carousel onto the rail lands as in a year’s time it will all be cleaned up, and we are thankful for the funding,” said Saunders.

Also launched at the ceremonies today was the first place Best Western photo contest winner for this summer’s North Bay postcard.

The photo was taken by Marla Hayes and is described as capturing the energy of the Carousel from its creators to riders, and was dedicated in memory of Barry Jacobs.

The caption reads:

‘In Memory of Barry Jacobs, a dedicated volunteer with the Heritage Railway company who’s dream cam true through unprecedented numbers of individuals coming forward to adopt the dream. This carousel is something the entire city can be proud of, it is beautiful to look at, great fun to ride, and is a wonderful example of the generosity of the people of North Bay, through loving hands that created every inch.’

“It was his (Jacob’s) dream to see it all develop and it’s coming,” said Saunders.