100 Years of Fun

The animals and horses sitting atop Lake Compounce's infamous carousel just turned 100 years old - and they're not dizzy yet.

Hundreds of ride-lovers joined in the birthday of the century on Saturday, enjoying lots of complimentary birthday cake and kids activities to celebrate the event.

"Despite the rains, we were very happy to see the great turnout for the event," Lake Compounce General Manager Jerry Brick said. "Our guests really do love the carousel, which was evident during the celebration."

Those partaking in the party also enjoyed a juggling act, face painting and educational presentations from Bristol's Carousel Museum, and a birthday card contest. For 7-year-old Brittany Novack, it was easy to celebrate such a happy event.

"I always loved horses so I like riding the carousel," Brittany said. "My favorite is the white horses."

Lake Compounce Marketing Director Sara Frias said although the park continually adds new thrill rides like the newly unveiled Rev-o-lution, guests of all ages always enjoy the carousel.

"Given we're a family theme park it's a must-have," Frias said. "It's so engaging with the music and the animals, and older adults especially have an appreciation for carousels because of the history behind it."

The decade-old carousel was built by Timothy Murphy of Savin Rock, CT. Combining the works of four master carvers and a Looff mechanism, Lake Compounce purchased it for $10,000 and opened to the public on Memorial Day, 1911.

Part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks, Lake Compounce is the oldest, continuously-operating amusement park in North America, having its genesis more than 165 years ago in 1846.