County Executive Bello Announces Opening of Historic Dentzel Carousel at Ontario Beach

May 28th, 2021

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115th season kicks off Saturday with FREE rides through Memorial Day

County Executive Adam Bello today announced that the historic Dentzel Menagerie Carousel at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte will open for the 2021 Season on Saturday, May 29, and he invites all Monroe County children and families to join him in celebrating the opening at Noon on Saturday.  To mark the opening of the 2021 season, FREE carousel rides will be offered, regardless of age, over the Holiday Weekend, from Saturday through Memorial Day. This year will be the carousel’s 115th season at the Park, where it first opened in 1905. The Dentzel Menagerie Carousel did not open for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m so excited to be opening the carousel at Ontario Beach Park, just in time for Memorial Day weekend,” said County Executive Bello.  “To kick-off its 115th season, we will be offering FREE rides throughout the holiday weekend and hope that many kids and families will come down to enjoy a ride on our historic carousel.”

The County’s carousel was carved and created by the firm of G.A. Dentzel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was installed at Ontario Beach Park in 1905, and has remained in its original location ever since. The carousel is a menagerie model and consists of 52 riding animals and two chariots, set in three rows. The hand-carved animals include: 22 Jumping Horses; 11 Standing Horses; 3 Cats; 1 Deer; 1 Giraffe; 1 Goat; 1 Lion; 2 Mules; 3 Ostriches; 3 Pigs; 3 Rabbits; and 1 Tiger. In 1984, the County initiated a complete restoration of the animals to their original condition. The carousel has also been modified to accommodate ADA accessibility. 

The Carousel’s 2021 Operating Schedule is, as follows:

Memorial Day Weekend –      Open Saturday, May 29 through Memorial Day (FREE rides)

Post-Memorial Day until June 27 – Open Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

June 28 through Labor Day – Open Daily (7-Days per Week)


The Carousel’s 2021 Hours of Operation are: Noon to 7:00 p.m.

The Carousel’s 2021 Price Schedule is, as follows:

Single Ride -- $1.00

Punch Card (12 rides for the cost of 10) -- $10.00 **Valid Any Time**

Wrist Band (Ride All Day) -- $5.00

All rides FREE Friday May 28th – Monday May 31st

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