Project Phases
The Carousel of Smiles project has three primary phases that comprise the overall project: Restoration; Site & Facility; and Operations. These phases are generally sequential in nature, but there is some overlap in timeline and activities.
Fundraising
Integral to all aspects of this project will be fundraising, utilizing a variety of programs and activities with the objective of securing sufficient funds for three funding campaigns:
- The Carousel Restoration Fund
- The Facility Capital Campaign
- The Endowment Fund – includes an operational shortfall “cushion” and future maintenance/repair
Phase 1: Restoration
Individuals & Businesses – A Collaborative Community Project
By The Community for The Community
The restoration phase includes actual restoration of the carousel as well as the research, gathering, and dissemination of knowledge, information, history/art and stories of this and other carousels — an integral aspect of the educational component of the project’s mission.
Starting with full photo documentation of all the parts as they were found in the two trailers, the carousel’s restoration plan was created with input from known expertise around the country as well as specific local expertise that came forward from our early publicity and outreach efforts.
The top to bottom restoration of all aspects for this c1920 40’ diameter 36 horse carousel began in earnest in 2018. It is being accomplished by 3 named groups of volunteers including individuals and businesses largely from the greater Sandpoint Area. It is truly a collaborative effort, and represents a gift from the community to the community.
Latest Update:
As of May 2026:34 of the ponies have been finished, and the final 2 are in their painting process, having just come through the “micro-finishing stage” of their wood restoration. The flooring sections (28 of them) will be refurbished during the Summer of 2026, but all of the other mechanicals, frame and parts have been completed.
Prior to its full operational set up (2027?) we will have a new top crown bearing and the main center hub “cheese” bearing made. The existing ones still have some good life left, but it will be nice to have a set of spares ready to go.
The Carousel was assembled for the third time at the fairgrounds in September 2025, in time to host the National Carousel Association for their annual convention. This time (The Unveiling 3.0), the carousel spun under its own power thanks to the donation (Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick, WA) of a c 1920 GE ? Motor that originally spun the Silver Beach Carousel at St Joseph, Michigan prior to its relocation to Kennewick.
After the motor’s refurbishment (here in Sandpoint by Ken Keeler & Selkirk Power), the motor performed brilliantly. Well, maybe a bit too fast – some tweaking needs to bed one with the pulley ratios!
Come visit all the ponies and parts at our 502 Church St. location.
Slide the circle to see progress.
Notes:
- This c1920 Golden Age Carousel is undergoing a full top to bottom restoration.
- NO local tax dollars are being used or requested. Funding is through private donations and grants hg
- The work is being accomplished in Sandpoint, Idaho by 3 talented groups of volunteers:
The Gear & Grease Gang – carousel frame & mechanicals
The Godfather Squad – wood restoration of the ponies
Painters of the Lost Art – artistry with paint
The Gear & Grease Gang
– carousel frame & mechanicals & other parts
Coming Soon!
The Godfather Squad
– wood restoration of the ponies
Coming Soon!
Painters of the Lost Art
– artistry with paint
Coming Soon!
Phase 2: Site & Facility
Envisioning The Stable
Momentum, Timing & Opportunity
Momentum, Timing & Opportunities – We have a NEW Direction
We have always had an eye on various privately owned parcels within the Warehouse/Arts district of Sandpoint.
Upon learning of the possible availability of the old Co-Op building at 502 Church Street, most recently the home of CAL’s Bizarre Bazaar, we were able to negotiate a lease with an option for purchase with the owners. We are scheduled to close on the property in June 2026, utilizing a socially purposed LLC structure.
This is a remarkable location and an exciting opportunity with the already in-place synergy potential with the surrounding businesses of Marketplace Antiques, The Pie Hut, Matchwood Brewery and Evans Brothers Coffee. A location, that with a bit of renovation, can be the home for the carousel and its envisioned ancillary programs, all providing year-round activity and supporting the businesses, the arts and the North Idaho community.
The ponies are in “The Stable” – STAY Tuned for details of our exciting plans, and come visit! (Bring Carrots).
For those wondering what happened to the Sandcreek design…
Knowing the City was going to conduct a Master Plan process for the City beach with robust public involvement, the initial vision and plan was to work with the City of Sandpoint within this process to identify (and then lease) an appropriate location for the carousel and it associated activities.
The preferred location was determined to be the Sandcreek Parcel, identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan adopted by the City Council September 2020, and reaffirmed by the Downtown Waterfront Design Challenge process, results accepted by council November 2023.
The Sandcreek parcel was previously the site of the Lakeside Inn, and was purchased by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) in 2004 to enable construction of the highway 95 bypass. This parcel was never owned by the city of Sandpoint, and the donation of it from ITD to the city of Sandpoint, initiated by the Carousel project in mid 2021, was finalized in December 2023.
Based upon input from city officials and representations from previous staff, in 2022 we engaged Boden architecture to design a spectacular facility – The Carousel Pavilion and Cultural House at Sandcreek. However, administrations and political winds change, and now despite the desired location not having any financial cost to the city and the project not asking for any tax payor money, we no longer have confidence in the ability to achieve a formal agreement with the city in the foreseeable future. Thus, a change in direction.
It all depends on fundraising – So Hop On & Join The Ride
Some of the Preliminary Concept Plans
A moderately simple renovation. Extending the existing building out towards Church Street, adding some glass, better entry ways and sitescaping.
A more robust renovation. More volumne and glass and accents. A true example of destination architecture.
Phase 3: Operations
Of the 152 +/- Golden Age carousels operating around the country, many are operated by 501(c)(3) entities in cooperation or partnership with the governmental entities within which they are located (municipal, county or state).
We have, and will continue outreach to specific operations we desire to be similarly modeled after, in order to gain insight and draw from known experiences and expertise.
This is more than a carousel.
A carousel can be and should be considered not just as a novel and nostalgic amenity, but also as a catalyst to create synergistic opportunities for events and year-round activity to support the economy, arts, history and the community of the greater Sandpoint area.
Operation of the carousel will remain under the purview of The Carousel of Smiles, Ltd. The facility operations plan will be created in cooperation with the neighboring businesses in the Warehouse/Arts district and other synergistic stakeholders. It is expected and desired that Marketplace Antiques and the Pie Hut will remain and continue their operations as they have for close to 20 years!.
Click on the link to see some of the envisioned activities and programs envisioned for The Carousel Pavilion & Stable – a Unique Art & Activities Venue.
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