National Merry Go Round Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, July 25th. There are until the next observance.

We LOVE fairs, carnivals, and amusement rides, so how could National Merry Go Round Day not be a favorite? Every year on July 25, this day honors the enjoyable ride known as a merry-go-round or carousel. These circular rides, formerly the centerpiece of amusement parks, are still popular throughout the United States and the world.

πŸ“† When is National Merry Go Round Day?

This year, National Merry Go Round Day is on July 25th. It is the 4th Tuesday in July; in 2024, it is on Thursday.

Countdown to National Merry Go Round Day

β†’ Did you know: At least ten songs are titled “Merry-Go-Round,” and artists such as ABBA, MΓΆtley CrΓΌe, The Replacements, and even Fleetwood Mac have recorded songs about this amusement park attraction.

You can also learn all fascinating things you didn’t know about and facts about July 25, 2023.

πŸ“œ History of National Merry Go Round Day

By the 16th century, French invention had introduced sculpted horses strung from chains in place of wooden planks. Most of the noblemen who were taught this way sat on the horses. This gave them the feeling of riding without putting the animals in danger.

Carousels did not become popular as amusements until the seventeenth century. Its size shrank as its popularity increased. While the center moved, some played music; some were propelled by humans, while others by animals. The use of artistic aspects in merry-go-round design was popular. The designs of carousel producers became increasingly inventive; German wagon-maker Michael Dentzel carved exquisite animal sculptures for merry-go-rounds.

The carousel arrived in the United States during this time due to widespread immigration. Even though merry-go-rounds had been in the nation for a long time prior, the industry took off when they were formally copyrighted. With the Industrial Revolution, carousels saw a surge in mass production and swiftly expanded across the nation. This revolution also gave people more free time, which allowed for relaxation and, thus, the enjoyment of a carousel ride.

Steam-power In the 19th century, electricity completely supplanted animal power, resulting in larger, heavier merry-go-rounds and the precursors to the modern round carousel. All social strata were able to enjoy these rides thanks to funfairs. During this time, the conventional characters were replaced by well-known cartoon characters. Every popular movie, animated series, and comic book made its way to the fairgrounds.

By the following century, a variety of enterprises were producing carousels for amusement parks. Many of them did go out of business during the Great Depression, but one remained in operation: the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. They mostly produced roller coasters, and if an amusement park purchased one, the business sometimes tacked on a free merry-go-round. All resources were devoted to the war effort as the Second World War drew near, leaving the carousel in the dust. As the economy improved and synthetic material units started to be produced, they started to recover once again.

The National Carousel Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to maintain carousels and safeguard their heritage in the United States. They even plan a census to keep tabs on the history of every carousel in the country. In order to draw attention to the ancient carousels that are still providing delight to people today, Ronald Hopkins and Bette Largent, the association’s president, established National Merry Go Round Day. They specifically selected July 25 since it falls on the same day as William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa, receiving the first U.S. patent for the contemporary carousel.

β˜‘οΈ National Merry Go Round Day facts

βœ… Around we go, but in different directions
In Europe, merry-go-rounds turn clockwise, but in North America, they turn counter-clockwise.

βœ… Lindbergh used a carousel to ‘calm down’
Before flying over the Atlantic in an airplane and becoming the first man to do it, Charles Lindbergh relaxed by riding a carousel in Coney Island.

βœ… Ride a carousel for your health
Carousels were sold as “medically approved” aids to help circulate blood in the body in the early nineteenth century.

✨ Things to do on National Merry Go Round Day

⚑ Sit in one
According to the National Carousel Association, there are hundreds of registered carousels in the United States. There’s a good chance there’s one in your community as well. Go ahead and look for one. Perhaps you could teach the delights of spinning round and round to the children in your life as well.

⚑ Read up on carousel history
For additional information about the National Carousel Association’s carousel census, go to their website. Borrow books on renowned carousels from your local library. Or go to the neighborhood carousel and try to piece together their narrative. You never know; they could have lived a longer life than you and have a fascinating tale to tell!

⚑ Watch a carousel-themed movie
Don’t feel like going out for some carousel fun? Instead, how about watching a movie? You might begin with the 1956 romantic musical picture “Carousel,” which was based on the same-named musical, then go to additional amusement park-themed films. Grab some popcorn and sit in for a thrilling trip!

πŸ“… National Merry Go Round Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 July 25 Tuesday
2024 July 25 Thursday
2025 July 25 Friday
2026 July 25 Saturday
2027 July 25 Sunday

Explore all July holidays, including Fun and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Merry Go Round Day. So be sure to check back soon.