Ride A Carousel Horse This Weekend

Free carousel rides begin in the Greater Binghamton area this Memorial Day weekend and Southern Tier families are eagerly awaiting the unofficial kickoff to summer to take a ride.  The Binghamton area has a rich history with its carousels; something we may take for granted, if you were brought up here like I have.

Did you know that there are fewer than 150 antique carousels remaining in the United States and Canada?  Six are right here in the Greater Binghamton area.  How cool is that!

Here is a little Hawk history of our carousels:

1)  Shoe manufacturer George F. Johnson, donated to the community 6 working carousels between 1919 and 1934.

2)  All six carousels were manufactured here in New York State outside of Buffalo.

3)  All rides are free with one stipulation,  it is encouraged that you bring "one piece of litter" for your admission.

Here's where you can catch a free ride:

C Fred Johnson Park, 98 C.F.J. Blvd, Johnson City:  Carousel and Spray Park Open: May 25th through Labor Day. Memorial Day weekend through June 24th; Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm; Saturdays & Sundays 12 noon-8:00pm. June 25th through Labor Day have extended hours.  (607) 797-3031

George W. Johnson Park, 201 Oak Hill Ave., Endicott:  Carousel open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10:00 am – 5:00pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm: (607) 757-0856.

Highland Park, 801 Hooper Road, Endwell: Carousel open: Memorial Day through June 22nd 12:00 – 7:45 pm, Saturday and Sunday only. June 28 through Labor day 12:00 – 7:45PM daily. (607)786-2970.

Recreation Park, 58-78 Beethoven Street, Binghamton:  Carousel open: Monday-Friday 3-5pm and weekends Noon-7:45pm thru June 20th.  Summer hours to be announced.  (607)772-7017.

Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton:  Carousel open: Memorial Day through June 17th, Weekdays 3 – 6PM, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6:00 pm and from June 18th through Labor Day, daily 10 am

West Endicott Park, 501 Maple Street (at Page Ave.), Endicott:  Carousel open: Memorial Day through June 22nd 12:00 – 7:45 pm, Saturday and Sunday only. June 28 through Labor day 12:00 – 7:45PM daily. (607) 786-2970.