Celebrating Our Carousel’s Legacy—and Its Future
Last week, under the lights of the Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel, friends and champions of one of America’s most beloved treasures came together for an evening of gratitude, storytelling, and shared purpose.
With delicious bites from Urban Kitchen and a backdrop of carousel music and history, guests mingled beside hand-carved horses, painted murals, and the people who keep them spinning. Among them was Bill Brown, the carousel’s longtime manager and living memory bank, who charmed the crowd with stories of restoration quirks, a marvelous unveiling, and the deeply personal reasons so many San Diegans have fallen in love with this ride over the decades.
We celebrated the skilled restoration team, whose hands have lovingly restored dozens of animals to their original 1910 brilliance—and whose work continues today. Their artistry reminds us that while the carousel is a historic artifact, it is also a living machine, one that relies on community to remain safe and operational.
As we look to the future, our operating and maintenance funds are in critical need of rebuilding. Unexpected but necessary upgrades—like the new fire suppression system—have stretched our reserve thin. We are now calling on our community to help us continue this work.
💛 You can help in two meaningful ways:
- Make a donation to support our restoration and operations. Every dollar helps keep this iconic ride in motion for generations to come.
👉 4-bp.org/donate - Adopt one of our remaining animals! We have three historic carousel figures still awaiting sponsors:
• A graceful stork
• Two hard-working mules
Adopting an animal ensures its care and conservation—and places your name or dedication alongside one of the most cherished features in Balboa Park. Contact us for more information give@balbopark.org.
This evening reminded us just how magical this carousel truly is—not just as a ride, but as a symbol of shared memory and wonder. Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to champion this cause. With your support, the magic keeps spinning.
