Inside the Restoration Studio

Restoration Artist James Hardison has been working in his studio bringing this antique jumper back to its original splendor, as it first appeared when it began spinning on the Carousel more than 84 years ago.

Since November of last year, the horse has undergone a transformation. Dozens of layers of paint have been painstakingly removed to reveal the original colors and design of the horse. Then a careful cleaning, sanding and repairing of the wood was performed to prepare the horse for paint. When the horse was down to raw wood, several coats of white primer were applied. This week James began the painting process, and the horse is really beginning to take shape hour by hour. James also created a colored drawing of the horse that he uses as a template in order to stay true to the intent of the original artisans. The Philadelpia Toboggan Company built this "Grand" carousel in 1928. For more photos that chronicle the restoration progress of this horse please visit our Facebook page. Thank you for your interest and support!

Our web site is gettting a new look!

As we make plans to open for our 84th season on Nantasket Beach, we are also updating our web site. Please check back frequently to watch our progress. 

If you would like to reserve the Paragon Carousel for a birthday, wedding, corporate event, reunion or other special function, please call us at 782-925-0472 or email us at info@paragoncarousel.com, and we can help you plan your event.

We will open for our 84th season on Easter weekend, April 7 and 8, 2012.

We are now in the planning process for the follow events:

Easter: Saturday, April 7, photos with the Easter Bunny inside the Carousel.

Sunday, April 8, Easter Egg Dash around the Carousel.

Derby Day:  Friday, May 4, 7PM, inside the Carousel. 

Nantasket Mile: A One-Mile run from the Carousel -- this is a new event--more details soon!

Grant Recipient

Board Member Judeth Van Hamm and Restoration Artist James Hardison meet with MA Senate President Therese Murray last Thursday at the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich. They attended a ceremony to celebrate the latest round of grants from the Masachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund to cultural organizations in Southeast Massachusetts. The Carousel is a grant recipient.

A $19,000 matching grant will be used for carousel building repairs. The work includes repairing door frames, wall sills, stucco and roofing.

This round of CFF grants was funded through a $7 million appropriation made by Gov. Patrick as part of a 2011 capital bond allocation. This event gave grant recipients a chance to thank the Senate President, whose support allowed these investments to be made in this key sector of our state's economy.

James Hardison, Therese Murray and Judeth Van Hamm.

Annual Halloween Party Next Weekend

Get ready for a Halloween Costume Party at the Carousel! All ages are welcome! Get your costumes ready and enjoy our annual salute to Halloween on Sunday, October 30, from 12 noon until 3PM. This event officially marks the end of our operational season. Join us in December for photos with Santa when we turn our gift shop into a Winter Wonderland. We will also be open for several weekends in December for holiday shopping.

We will open for our 84th season on Nantasket Beach on Easter weekend, April 7 and 8, 2012, when the Easter Bunny will visit us.