Founders Day

Founders Day celebrates the community effort that brought this century-old carousel, built in Western New York, home for restoration and secured its permanent place on Buffalo’s waterfront. This year’s event also marks the completion of the carousel’s fifth summer at Canalside.

Built in North Tonawanda by the Spillman Engineering Corp. in 1924, the historic carousel returned to Western New York decades later and was painstakingly restored by local artists and volunteers. Today, it operates once again inside the award-winning KeyBank Roundhouse beneath a solar roof that helps power the attraction.

“Founders Day is our opportunity to remember just how many people believed this carousel was worth saving,” said Linda Chaffee, operations manager for the carousel and one of its restoration artists. “Their vision preserved an extraordinary piece of Western New York history. Helen was at the heart of that effort, and Helen’s Fund will help ensure the beautiful work she helped restore is cared for well into the future.”

Saturday’s celebration will feature carousel rides, face painting from 1-3 p.m., popcorn, treats and family fun throughout the afternoon.