Round and Round She Goes

The 1920's era carousel at Sunset Park in Rocky Mount, NC, was severely damaged by hurricane Floyd in 1999. The carousel spent several days under 8-10 feet of water and completely devastated the ride. 

Estimates for repairs went into six digits. Only with the help of private donations could the city of Rocky Mount even fathom the idea of repairing the ride instead of just scrapping it. To raise money, individuals and groups were given the chance to adopt a horse for restoration. People throughout the area responded. Some with fond childhood memories of making the trip to Rocky Mount just to ride the carousel. 

One group in particular, a local elementary school, plunged head first into raising funds for the restoration. They held candy sales to raise the money to nurse one of the injured animals back to health. 

In the end, the children were able to name their horse, which they unanimously, and appropriately,  named “Hurricane.”