All ages are invited to find the “Magic in Motion” at the Silver Beach Carousel this summer. Disney décor has been installed throughout the building in time for the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious celebration called Founders’ Week, paying tribute to local dream makers, Louis Wallace and Logan Drake. Beginning in 1891, these two brought joy to St. Joseph and the surrounding communities with the opening of Silver Beach Amusement Park.
“This summer’s Disney theme is a perfect fit for the Carousel,” said Suz Schalon, president of the Silver Beach Carousel Society. “Walt Disney is said to have visited the St. Joseph amusement park during its heyday. All the carousel’s lifelike horses were painted white at the time. Disney loved the idea, believing riders would choose their horses more quickly if they were all the same color. That all-white horse tradition lives on today at Disneyland and Disney World.”
Schalon noted that the original Silver Beach Carousel was sold after the amusement park closed in 1971. The current Carousel, which opened in 2010, honors that legacy with six replicas of the original white horses among its 48 magnificent, hand-carved and hand-painted
figures. It also features two beautifully crafted chariots, one with wheelchair accessibility so everyone can go for a ride. Two Charles Carmel-carved horses from the original 1910 carousel are on display alongside nostalgic Kiddyland rides inside the Carousel House.
The Disney-themed décor will be on display throughout the summer, with giant murals and plush toys depicting favorite movie characters while memorable tunes accompany a whirling ride on the Carousel. But it’s the special daily events during Founders’ Week that will honor the two visionaries whose amusement park helped inspire Disney, a master of creating the happiest places on earth.
Here are the fun-packed themed days during Founders’ Week:
Monday, June 23: “Seniors’ Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
The carousel pays tribute to the valuable experience and wisdom of everyone 65+ years old who joins in today’s activities. Seniors get one free ride on the Carousel and a chance to win a copy of the book “Silver Sands and Golden Memories: The History of Silver Beach” by Daryl Schlender. One will be given away each hour between 1 and 5 p.m.
Throughout the Carousel House, visitors can take closer looks at historical photographs, an original piece of the Shadowland Ballroom dance floor in the Brass Ring Gift Shop, the Carousel’s 18 rounding boards that capture the history of Southwest Michigan and other memorabilia in the boardwalk showcase. Seniors are encouraged to share their Silver Beach Amusement Park memories on the Carousel’s social media.
Tuesday, June 24: “Kiddies’ Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
It’s great to be a kid every moment at the Carousel, but especially today. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can buy one token and get one free (up to three tokens per adult purchase, Tuesday only). Everyone can play free games and activities indoors and outdoors. Stop by the refreshment stand for tasty treats and drinks and in the gift shop for toys, books and souvenirs to remember this magical day.
Wednesday, June 25: “A Spoonful of Sugar Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
Every hour between 1 and 5 p.m., two riders will each win a free tub of cotton candy.
Today and throughout the week, take children to watch the miniature electric train wind through a whimsical world of Disney scenes. Play “I-Spy” to find their favorite characters.
Thursday, June 26: “Pop-ular Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
What makes this day so Pop-ular? Hop on the Carousel and during every ride between 1 and 5 p.m., the operator will hand out one coupon to one lucky rider for a free bag of popcorn from the refreshment stand. Pop across the boardwalk to peek into the Shadowland Ballroom, named for the original dance hall for generations of Amusement Park fans. The current Shadowland Ballroom continues the tradition and is a popular choice for wedding couples seeking a unique venue to celebrate their big day.
Friday, June 27: “Founders’ Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
This day celebrates Logan Drake and Louis Wallace, whose wild and crazy imaginations created happy memories for thousands of people at their beachfront amusement park. Visitors can bring those days to life by watching the Silver Beach Amusement Park diorama, hearing the boisterous guffaws of Laffing Sal, learning what the future holds from the Great Danzini and taking photos in the restored Kiddyland car. Lucky winners will take home a copy of the fascinating WNIT PBS DVD, “A Legacy of Memories: Silver Beach Amusement Park,” given away hourly between 1 and 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 28: “Christmas at the Carousel Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Christmas in JUNE. Every hour between 1 and 5 p.m., the Carousel will give away a copy of the heartwarming children’s book “How Noel Saved Christmas,” starring Noel, the Silver Beach Carousel’s beloved Christmas horse. Adding to the merriment, The Brass Ring Gift Shop will be brimming with ideas for early holiday shopping.
Sunday, June 29: “Music Day,” noon to 5 p.m.
The Carousel’s band organs play the happiest music on earth, including favorite Disney hits, lively waltzes and classic marching tunes. It is a great day to learn more about the original Silver Beach Carousel’s restored band organ, which is over 100 years old and still fills the Carousel House with joyful, toe-tapping music.
Be sure to check out the special display of historic voice records made by visitors to Silver Beach Amusement Park. This early version of voicemail held deep meaning for soldiers who used them to leave messages for family and sweethearts before heading off to serve and sending messages back home from overseas USO locations.
“Music Day” also spotlights the 77-year-old Municipal Band with historical photos and information on their iconic summer concert series. A short walk to the John E. N. Howard Bandshell along the bluff on Port Street brings visitors to the free concert at 7 p.m., with time afterward to enjoy a sunset stroll on St. Joseph’s South Pier.
Besides the carousel, the Silver Beach Center is home to the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone Museum, where toddlers to pre-teens can enjoy hands-on learning activities. It also houses the Shadowland on Silver Beach ballroom, a popular venue for private and community celebrations.
Families can easily plan a full day of memory-making by visiting the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, a free splash pad across the street and walking to Silver Beach County Park, recently named one of Michigan’s top five beaches. The park now has a brand-new, fully accessible playground where children of all abilities can play together. This spring, Midwest Living magazine also featured the carousel and named St. Joseph one of the 100 Best Midwest Small Town Getaways.
Visit www.silverbeachcarousel.com or call 269-932-1141 for more information.
