Carousel open house is today

SANDPOINT — If you missed the unveiling of the Carousel of Smiles, don’t worry. An open house to celebrate the vintage Golden Age 1920 Allan Herschell carousel will take place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Ave.

The carousel last operated in 1952 at the Kansas State fair in Hutchinson, Kansas, then was abandoned and stored in its two trailers until it was discovered and rescued from hibernation by Clay and Reno Hutchinson.

A not-for-profit 501c3 — the Carousel of Smiles — has been established to take custody of the carousel and shepherd its restoration and new life.

The carousel is assembled in the main building at the fairgrounds and there are several exhibits set up for people to browse. The exhibits will include storyboards about the history of the carousel, information about the nonprofit Carousel of Smiles and more.