President's Message - Reprinted from the Spring 2005 Merry-Go-Roundup

New Ideas for Carousels

By Bette Largent, NCA President

Ever since the beginning of time, people have searched for the elusive fountain of youth.

And from the time of DeSoto to the present, with its medicines, longevity and the quality of life have become the obsession of the masses. People everywhere are searching out and spending dollars upon dollars for the latest food, vitamins, and even locations that promise to extend their lives.

At the NCA's recent Technical Conference, an organizer for the event commented that she was surprised so many carousel enthusiasts had signed up to attend. I just smiled. I knew why - they were coming for their carousel "fix."

Just like those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and must augment the winter drab with special lights, many of our carousel enthusiasts need an early spring carousel experience. Some came for the carousel lights and that special ride, while others, armed with film, came geared up for the photograph.

At this year's conference, the "fix" also included the thrill of the hunt . through the files of the late Fred Fried, now held at the Smithsonian.

There are always those who love to discuss grease, gears, and new technology applied to old mechanisms, as well. Yet, although technical conferences are all about fixing carousels, many of our members discovered the benefits of getting their own fix, by attending.

More on this. Researchers learned some time ago that spinning or turning creates a euphoria, defined as a "feeling of great joy, excitement, or well-being." Perhaps that's why we, as children, enjoyed spinning games like "statue" or simply twirling about without a care in the world. Carousels, too, provide the joy of spinning; they also spark the imagination.

A few years back, one researcher discovered that one's involvement in the arts . be it through music, theater, fine arts, literature, or any form of appreciation in hobby form . can actually extend one's lifetime. Enjoyment of the arts also extends our quality of life. Again, thus so does the carousel.

One can enjoy the art of the carousel itself, of carousel music, and of painting, restoring, carving, and/or preserving a carousel. And be amazed at the simplicity of the machinery and the job it does, year after year after year. Or enjoy a historical search, a miniature creation, riding as a recreation, or sewing carousel quilts.

Often it is the volunteer who spends hot summer days interacting with the visiting and riding public, who gets to enjoy it the most. His or her immersion involves entering the "zone." Pain, troubles, and conflicts are all forgotten in the complete concentration and experience of the moment. The art of the carousel has no boundaries. It can be felt, touched, heard, seen, and experienced.

Now it is spring, and nearly time to get your annual carousel fix. But perhaps we should start publishing a disclaimer. You.ve seen them in ads.

My disclaimer is as follows: Riding a carousel may cause euphoria, dizziness, and laughter. Riding a carousel may become addictive. If carousel rides are not available in your area, some travel may be involved.

Riding a carousel is not otherwise cost-prohibitive. If you can't find one to ride, please contact the nearest NCA member, NCA Census, or Web site (be sure to visit www.nca-usa.org).

In some parts of the country, riding can sometimes be done year-round. And carousels typically attract other activities, which take place at the ride or nearby. Be advised not to ride a carousel alone, as it is best experienced with a friend, a child, a relative, or any and all you can find.

Riding a carousel often brings back childhood experiences. Your senses may be bombarded, and you may experience urges to eat popcorn, cotton candy, or hot dogs.

Whichever carousel you elect to visit, be sure to do one more thing: document your riding experience with photography, including video cameras.

You can't escape the phenomenon; it's a known side effect of carousel support.

For more information, contact - or better yet, visit - your nearest carousel . . . often.