Springing into action now that Marion County has improved in its risk level of COVID19 and OHA restrictions and guidelines – we are readying to re-open our doors for some more Carousel fun in 2021.
The ride attraction and Gift Gallery will re-open starting this coming weekend Saturday, March 6 (10:00am-5:00pm) and Sunday, March 7 (11:00am-5:00pm).
Ride! – Our Carousel animals and ride operator volunteers are excited and ready to bring back the magic to you & yours!
Shop! – Unique gifts and merchandise are in store for those out & about looking to explore!
Support! – Visit us online anytime (www.salemcarousel.org) and at our facility with temporary adjusted hours going forward, starting March 11 (Thu-Sat, 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun 11:00am-5:00pm).
Your return visit, patronage, participation and donations are greatly appreciated! Rides are available for purchase (Tokens/$1.50 each, $18/20 ride punchcard).
Public health protocols for the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers remain in effect. Access to the building is limited to One Entrance/One Exit as well as one-way social distancing traffic flow patterns with masks required at all times throughout the facility for everyone ages 5 and up. Entrance is through the Gift Gallery. Additionally, a maximum occupancy of 50 people (approx. 25%) still exists in the building at any given time including staff and volunteers. Only 24 standers/riders can be on the Carousel, choices are limited to the inside and outside row animals and/or wagons due to 6ft social distancing standards, middle row animals are not currently an option. Continual cleaning/sanitizing procedures of the facilities and ride will be strictly followed including in between each ride.
Volunteer carvers and painters will also be onsite at various times advancing their work on our New Dream figures and renovation projects. The temporary carving studio is located in the Prancing Pony party room off the north patio. The paint studio is located in the south display room near the parking lot end of the building. The tokenbooth, annual events and private party reservation opportunities have not been re-instated at this time.
The impact of COVID19 is a heart-wrenching, incredible (and often trying) shared experience for all. Nonprofits and the tourist/indoor entertainment industries in particular, have suffered many adverse effects across the country and the globe. For our organization, despite setbacks, we learned a long time ago perseverance and fortitude with a little serendipity thrown in, make all the difference. Living the Carousel dream that was born in 1995 by founder, Hazel Patton, with an initial Grand opening of the organization in June 2001, takes commitment. In 2021, our 20th year, we’re committed to keeping our dream alive and our visitors safe while keeping families and fun our first priority! We remain faithful to meeting every challenge head-on, continuing with our mission of ‘promoting healthy communities, providing affordable family fun, showcasing the arts, culture, education and diversity, guarding the light and innocence of children everywhere and standing as a welcoming place for people to gather together in celebration of life!’
With hopeful hearts we anticipate resuming our regular year round scheduling and bring back a full slate of celebration programs and opportunities, seven days a week, as soon as safely possible. We are #CarouselStrong! Who can resist the magic?
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in vibrant downtown along the Willamette River at 101 Front ST NE Salem OR 97301. For questions or concerns, please call – 503.540.0374 or by email at salemcarousel@gmail.com. For more information about us, planning your next visit and/or to make a donation and show your support, check out our social media accounts and visit us anytime at www.salemcarousel.org.
