Carousel Crisis: Iconic Ride in Johnson City Remains Silent

Broome County's oldest and largest carousel isn't operating this summer and it's still unclear when it will be back in operation.

The beloved merry-go-round at C. Fred Johnson Park in Johnson City remains out of service after what village officials called a "massive mechanical failure."

A glimpse inside the closed CFJ Park carousel on August 3, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

What should have been a routine preparation process for the carousel last spring turned into a nightmare when parks department workers heard a series of "crack, bangs and pops" when they tried to start the ride.

Mayor Christina Charuk said the situation "has been really heartbreaking."

A simple sign summed up the situation at CFJ Park on August 3, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

She told WNBF News that when one of the area's historic carousels needs repair work "these aren't just simple fixes." The mayor said it's not a case where a single part can be replaced to take care of the problem.

Charuk said the village is working with a company that specializes in handling this type of job.

The carousel in the park on CFJ Boulevard in Johnson City was installed in 1923. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The biggest challenge, according to the mayor, is paying for the necessary repairs. She said the cost of getting the carousel back in operation has been estimated at $150,000.

Charuk said Johnson City is expecting to receive some funding for the work sometime this fall to "get us on the right track." But there's still no target date for when rides might resume at CFJ Park.

The carousel - like the five others in parks around Broome County - were donated by Endicott Johnson Shoe Company founder George F. Johnson.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to the silent CFJ Park carousel on August 3, 2026.