Since the 1860s, the Carousel has been the most recognised ride in fairground history. Generations of people remember this ride above all others, with its vivid colours, galloping horses and cheerful music, to add to the funfair magic. The Victorians used mules, people and then steam to power their rides, until the more popular mechanised Merry-Go-Round came into existence. The Carousel captures a simpler time when entertainment was uncomplicated yet thrilling to those riding and watching.
[Text from the website of the Harry Jones Company.]
The two-storied carousel in my photograph is owned by the family Roie from Frankfurt (Germany). They have taken care of it since three generations. Since numerous years this carousel with 24 horses and 4 carriages has a place of honor in the center of Basels’s Petersplatz, surrounded by stands selling goods, handicrafts, food and refreshments.