ART! Plein Air and ’24 ornament at Slater Park Looff Carousel for National Carousel Day

The Pawtucket Parks & Recreation Division, in collaboration with the Friends of the Looff Carousel organization will be celebrating National Carousel Day at the Looff Carousel in Slater Memorial Park on Thursday, July 25 from 11 am – 4:30 pm by providing free rides to all visitors.

Throughout the day at Slater Memorial Park, The Friends of the Looff Carousel will be unveiling the new 2024 ornament representing the carousel’s giraffe figure along with other merchandise to entice your holiday shopping in July.  

Popcorn and beverages are available at the concession stand, as well as an array of carousel apparel to remember your visit.  All merchandise sold by the Friends group or the Carousel will benefit the operation and continued preservation of the Slater Park Looff Carousel.  Cash transactions will be accepted only and donations are always accepted.

The Rhode Island Football Club soccer organization will be participating in this year’s event with giveaways throughout the day.  “Chip”, the official mascot of RIFC will be making an appearance at the carousel from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.

Plein Air

Additionally, the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, also located in Slater Memorial Park will be participating in a Plein Air activity from 10 – 4 pm around the carousel and Casino building.  Plein Air painting originated in the 19th century during the period of French impressionism.  Artists are asked to bring their own supplies.

National Carousel Day was founded in 2014 by Bette Largent, President of the National Carousel Association and Roland Hopkins, a carousel historian.  The day was created to honor William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa who had patented the carousel in 1871 and had been considered to be the official inventor of the modern carousel by the US Patent Office.

The 1895 Slater Park Looff Carousel is the oldest “Looff stander” carousel in the world.  The Carousel News & Trader  article in 2010 noted that the Slater Park Looff Carousel is one of six known stationary rides still in operation.  It is second only to Martha’s Vineyard’s Oak Bluff’s Flying Horses Carousel as the oldest in America, dating back to 1876.  Slater Park’s carousel is one of six to remain in the same existing building for over 100 years.

The carousel is currently open daily through the month of August from 11 am – 5 pm. The last ticket sales on these days are at 4:45 pm or noted otherwise for special events, such as the Tuesday night free Children’s Performance Series taking place in July through August. 

Tickets are $ 1 per person / per ride, regardless of age.

Follow the Slater Park Carousel Facebook page for early closure updates, as well as special event announcements.