Updated Nov. 3, 2010, 8:29 p.m.–The City of Kent announced today that the Morford Family Carousel will open this year on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 26 from 4 to 9pm, the carousel will kick off its fifth holiday season. It will be located at Town Square Plaza at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Harrison Streets, across the street from the Kent Library.

After opening day, the Morford Family Carousel’s hours will be:

Friday:  4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday:  12 – 8 p.m.
Sunday:  12 – 5 p.m.

In addition, there will be Bonus Days during the holiday break from school. The carousel will be open Dec. 20-24 from 1 to 5 pm and December 31 from 1 to 5 pm. The carousel can also be booked for private parties Monday through Thursday. Arrangements for private bookings can be made by contacting the SKC Autisum Support Group via email.  [Notes:  Hours are subject to change due to the weather.]

In addition, the City is planning special musical performances and holiday surprises to draw families to downtown Kent during the holiday season. Once again, the City of Kent is partnering with local nonprofits to operate the carousel as a fundraiser.

This holiday season the nonprofits working the carousel are the Kentwood National Honor Society and the South King County Autism Support Group, with the group’s proceeds going to Children’s Therapy Center. Suggested donations are $1 per ride and will go to the nonprofits to support their respective missions and programs.

For more information, call 253-856-5110 or visit the City of Kent website.