You’re riding a horse, there is a giraffe running next to you and a lion chasing you. What do you do in a sticky situation like this?

Wait until the ride stops and hop off the carousel!

If there’s one thing Binghamton is known for aside from its delicious Speidie chicken and cold winters, it’s our six carousels donated to our local parks between 1919 and 1934 by George F. Johnson.

Believing the carousels would contribute to a happy life and build a community of children who would grow into strong and useful citizens, Johnson helped start a tradition of parks and recreation here in Binghamton. In fact, of the 150 wood-carved carousels remaining in the United States and Canada, six are right here in Greater Binghamton, New York. How cool is that?

Celebrating these fun, fantastical and, most importantly, free wooden masterpieces is the 5th Annual Carousel Day on July 26th. Hosted at historic C. Fred Johnson Park, the event will boast family-friendly attractions and activities including a spray park, musical guests, juggling, the “Roaming Railroad” - a trackless (wheeled) train - and of course a ride (or two, or three!) on the carousel located at the park.

Take the day to ride all six carousels around Binghamton and present your punch card to receive a gift to commemorate the day and leave with more than just fond memories.

Don’t miss this celebration of Binghamton’s carousels and for more information, check out the Carousel Day website. We’re a town based on its history, and when it comes to preserving that history, why not do it on horseback?

More From 98.1 The Hawk