HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – The wait is finally over for fans of Hampton’s historic carousel.
Following a rescheduled reopening ceremony on April 6, the carousel is now open to riders again.
Guests were treated to free rides on the carousel during the ceremony, along with face painting, make-and-take crafts and a DJ and dance activities with K’bana Blaq. Food trucks were also at the event.
The carousel has been closed since the summer of 2022, when structural issues were found. The Ohio-based company Carousels and Carvings was contracted to make the necessary repairs to the historic piece.
The ride, dating back to the 1920’s, was originally an attraction at the Buckroe Beach Amusement Park. Currently housed in a pavilion in Hampton’s downtown waterfront, it is one of only 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds remaining in the country.
The Hampton History Museum operates the carousel from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday except Mondays, and closes from Jan. 1- March 31. Tickets for the ride are typically $1.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.