Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means carousel season in the Greater Binghamton area is almost here! While we await details for our 2026 Greater Binghamton Carousel Guide to get you ready for summer, we have some very exciting news to share about a new addition coming to our local carousel family.
Did you know that Vestal is currently the only major municipality in Broome County without a carousel? That is about to change!
The Vision for Arnold Park
The Old Village of Union Historical Society has donated a rare 1917 Herschell Traveling Carousel to the Town of Vestal in memory of R. Ted Warner. This isn’t just any merry-go-round—it is a double-crown carousel, making it the oldest and rarest of its kind in our area.
The Friends of the Vestal Carousel are currently working hard to fundraise for its restoration and installation at Arnold Park. The project includes building a permanent pavilion and restoring 36 hand-carved horses, two chariots, and beautiful ornamental murals.
How Our Community Can Help
To get the carousel spinning for future generations, the Friends of the Vestal Carousel need our support. There are several ways to get involved and even leave a permanent mark on this piece of history:
- Permanent Recognition: A donation of $100 will get your name inscribed on the carousel's knee wall.
- Donor Plaque: Contributions of $250 to $2,500 will be recognized on a donor plaque inside the carousel.
- Sponsorships: There are unique opportunities to sponsor a chariot ($5,000) or one of the 33 remaining horses ($10,000).
- Business Sponsorships: Levels ranging from Bronze to Platinum offer prominent signage and recognition for local businesses.
Want to Donate?
Donations of any size are appreciated and help bring this dream closer to reality.
- Online: Visit their Givebutter page to donate or sponsor a horse/chariot.
- Check: Make checks payable to Friends of the Vestal Carousel and mail to:
- Friends of the Vestal Carousel
- c/o The Pad Climbing of Binghamton
- 2220 Vestal Road, Vestal NY 13850
- Cash: Email vestalcarousel@gmail.com to arrange a meetup for cash donations.
Stay Updated
You can follow the progress of the restoration and get the latest updates by following the Friends of Vestal Carousel Facebook page.
Keep an eye out for our fully updated Greater Binghamton Carousel Guide coming in a few weeks—we can't wait to see you at the parks this summer!
Did you enjoy this article?
Show some love! Macaroni KID Binghamton sends a free newsletter every Thursday focused on fun events and information for local families. Join over 7,000 of your neighbors and subscribe to the newsletter to receive the weekly scoop!
Macaroni KID Binghamton is run by a local mom and this website is supported solely by our local sponsors. If you would like to join our network of family-friendly businesses and connect with local parents in Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, Apalachin, Owego, and beyond, please reach out and learn how you can share your offerings with our readers!
