By Carol Britton Meyer

The Paragon Carousel is opening for the season April 19 – a welcome sign of spring!

Children will delight in having their photos taken with the Easter Bunny that day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the traditional egg hunt the next day on Easter Sunday, starting promptly at noon. The carousel will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to making this one of our best seasons ever,” Friends of the Paragon Carousel President Marge West told The Hull Times. “We’re also looking ahead to the centennial of the carousel – 100 years on Nantasket Beach – in 2028.”

West said the Friends are grateful for local businesses and residents of Hull, Weymouth, Cohasset, Hingham, and beyond “who share our passion for the Paragon Carousel. We really appreciate their support and enjoyment of this simple pleasure.”

She said that one of the nicest things is seeing different generations of families returning year after year “with grandparents, parents, and new mothers all riding the Carousel together.”

There’s more excitement coming up next month with the Paragon Derby Day gala and fundraiser on Friday, May 2, from 7 to 10 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Participants will dress up as if they’re “going to the races” at Kentucky’s Churchill Downs and enjoy an evening of games, prizes, and socializing. Tickets are $50, which includes a derby hat contest; five “derby” races with prizes, silent auctions, finger foods, and a cash bar. Proceeds support the restoration and preservation of the historic carousel.

Sponsorship opportunities include a horse or chariot (including a promotional business sign displayed on the horse and an invitation to provide a derby hat for the horse to wear), an outside row standing horse for $350 (includes two event tickets), a first-row jumper for $250 (includes two event tickets), $200 for a second row jumper horse (one event ticket included), and $200 to sponsor a third or fourth row carousel horse (including one event ticket).

Derby Day fun continues Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the fun-filled Junior Derby, featuring a chance to wear your best derby hat, friendly competition during “races” throughout the afternoon amid the magic of the carousel, trivia, raffles, and surprises all day long.

“Race to Win” offers opportunities to enter one of six special carousel “races.” Race rides are $5 each, with a winner crowned and awarded a prize for each.

Other events coming up this season include the annual Flag Day observance on June 14 and Taylor Swift Tuesdays from June 24 through Aug. 26.

Visit www.paragoncarousel.com for information about the Paragon Carousel, to purchase event tickets, Derby Day sponsorships, and for full details about upcoming events.

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