The Morford Family Carousel will soon become a welcome summer fixture at Town Square Plaza, located on the corner of 2^nd Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Kent.  The season opens July 17^th and runs through August 30^th.  The carousel will also be open for its final spins Labor Day weekend, September 5^th – 7^th.

Public hours are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  The carousel may be available for private bookings during its scheduled closed days.  If interested, contact Victoria Andrews at Kent Parks, 253-856-5113 for more information.

For its debut summer season, the City of Kent is partnering with two local non-profits, DOS FC Premier Soccer Club and Kentwood & South Elite Cheer Boosters.  Proceeds raised from the $1.00 donation per ride will support the organizations’ ongoing missions serving youth.

The Morford Family Carousel is a 1940’s classic Venetian-style carousel with 19 beautifully painted, carved horses and three special seats, designed by the famous Bertazzon Carousel Company of Italy. In 2006, the Kent Parks Foundation invited the public to purchase the “naming rights” for individual carousel horses. These funds, along with donations from other sources, helped the Foundation purchase the carousel, which was then given to the City of Kent.

For more information, call 253-856-5110 or visit the City’s website at www.ci.kent.wa.us

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

About the Non-profit Carousel Operators

Dos FC Premier is the only premier soccer club in Kent providing the opportunity for over 400 boys and girls to play soccer at the highest level available in Washington state.

Kentwood & South Elite Cheer Boosters: Nationally ranked Kentwood Cheer comprises over 50 male and female athletes and is the largest high school program in Washington.  Their competitive teams are six-time state champions and have been featured on ESPN.  South Elite All-Star Cheer is home of the 2008 World Champions, with nearly 200 athletes of all ages and skill levels from all over the Puget Sound.