Two years after its release from a 64-year slumber, the historic 1920 Allan Herschell Carousel, now under extensive volunteer restoration by the Carousel of Smiles, will be showcased in its partially restored state during a reception and open house in Sandpoint. Clay and Reno Hutchison, the saviors of the carousel, invite the public to witness the progress made on the restoration project. The “Godfather Squad,” tasked with the wood restoration, has been diligently working on fourteen ponies, with three nearing completion and ready for display. The event will also showcase submissions from the art panel project, emphasizing the vital role of these panels in defining the carousel’s character. The overwhelming enthusiasm and support from volunteers have played a crucial role in the restoration efforts, with the event serving as a celebration of their hard work and dedication. The champagne reception on Friday and open house over the weekend will take place in the historic building at 113 Main St., highlighting the renewed vibrancy of Sandpoint’s beloved carousel.

During a captivating “pre-unveiling” event, community members in Sandpoint got an exclusive first look at the fully assembled but unrestored 1920 Allan Herschell Carousel, a centerpiece of the Carousel of Smiles project initiated by Clay and Reno Hutchison. Reno Hutchison expressed that witnessing the carousel in its 1920s glory was a dream come true. Jan Griffitts, the director of Carousel of Smiles, described the moment as “awesome,” “unbelievable,” and “emotional.” The nonprofit organization, founded by the Hutchisons, unveiled the carousel to the public the following day at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, where it remained assembled for the community to enjoy. Clay Hutchison emphasized the seamless fit of all the pieces during assembly, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers known as the “gear and grease gang.” The carousel, rescued from a Kansas field where it had been stored since 1952, has become a cherished part of the Sandpoint community, with the Hutchisons aiming for it to be embraced as “Sandpoint’s carousel.”

Over the weekend, a 1920 Allan Herschell Carousel, dormant for 64 years, was joyfully unveiled by its new owners, Clay and Reno Hutchison, at the Sandpoint Granary Warehouse in Idaho. Approximately 150 people gathered to witness the restoration project’s exciting start as 36 hand-carved wooden horses were carefully removed from vintage cargo trailers. The Hutchisons, who named the carousel “Carousel of Smiles,” purchased it 16 years ago after it languished in storage since a Midwest fair closure in 1952. The restoration effort, to be undertaken with community support, aims to revive the 14-sweep, three-row, 40-foot diameter carousel. Despite the need for significant restoration, the carousel is complete with original components, making it a rare find among vintage wooden carousels. Local woodworker Dan Mimmack, a carousel enthusiast, expressed enthusiasm for the project, adopting one of the horses to restore and hoping to showcase the restoration process publicly. The community anticipates the return of the carousel to its former glory and a permanent home in Sandpoint.