• Click here for complete coverage of ground-breaking ceremony July 9

The mission of the Silver Beach Carousel Society is to establish a new, handcarved, traditional wood carousel for St. Joseph, Michigan. The Society hopes to bring back the historic and romantic traditions of the vintage beachfront property for the artistic, educational and entertainment benefit of the people of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Berrien County, and its many visitors from across the country.

Carvers from The Carousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio, are creating new, one-of-a-kind figures and re-creating figures from the original Silver Beach designs, created by master carver Charles Carmel. These craftsmen carve the figures in basswood and glue them into traditional patterns and poses. No nails or screws are used to adhere to original carousel conventions. The figures are then decorated using jewels and multiple coats of colorful paint for high gloss and durability.

The Silver Beach Carousel Society invites you to be a part of bringing this fabulous carousel to life by sponsoring a figure, shield, or rounding board or chair. There are five figures (of the orginal 48) left, 16 rounding boards and 12 shields. (Rocking chair sponsorships are all subscribed.) The new carousel will feature 48 unique and exquisitely designed figures and two fabulous chariots will be admired by generations of visitors to come. You get to name your carousel figure and your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be acknowledged by a commemorative plaque on the figure of your choice. You can use a family or corporate name, or you can gift the animal to honor friends or relatives.

Sponsor your very own carousel figure or carousel rounding board