Friends of the Carousel

In 1987, the wooden 1912 CW Parker Carousel that had operated at the PNE grounds for 53 years was scheduled to be auctioned off to collectors, horse by horse. A group of people interested in saving this carousel was formed, eventually becoming known as the Friends of the Carousel. Their fundraising efforts paid off. They purchased the old carousel and sold it to the City of Burnaby for $1, on the condition that the City build a pavilion to house it on the Burnaby Village Museum site. The Friends spent about 30,000 hours restoring this beautiful artefact. Each horse has been carefully hand-painted and the mechanics of the machine itself are cared for and kept up to current safety standards.

The Carousel reopened in its new venue in 1993. It continues to bring pleasure to thousands of children and adults each year. The Friends continue to provide funding for the Carousel's maintenance, and its members have been active in promoting it and its history during Museum events. For more information please see Carousel.