Much More Than The Millennium, 2000 To Be Year Of The Carousel

Move over roller coasters. Step aside water rides. Next year the colorful roundabouts will have a chance to shine. It's the International Year of the Carousel.

The proud and noble centerpiece of amusement parks worldwide will be highlighted during 2000 in a global celebration sponsored by the International Assn. of Amusement Parks & Attractions.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation will be IAAPA's global promotional partner in the year-long celebration, set to officially kick off June 22. That's when IAAPA will hold large carousel events in both the U.S. and Europe.

"Other than those two events, the promotion is member-driven on a local basis. What we hope to do is to create an international hook on that day for the local parks to hang their local events on," said IAAPA's Joel Cliff.

To help local IAAPA members create a viable campaign to promote the IYOC, the association has prepared and sent out more than 1,500 kits that explain the various elements of the campaign.

The 50-page kit is organized into four distinct blocks. The first is a detailed backgrounder and fun facts about carousels. The second has sample press releases and advisories which smaller parks and facilities can use to create their own releases.

The third consists of suggested events and activities for parks and attractions to hold on a local basis. The fourth is information on the partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and ideas on how to work locally with the organization to hold fund-raising events.

The same kit has been sent to the Make-A-Wish Foundation that in turn has sent copies to its chapters in the United States and its affiliates around the globe. "At the same time, we have asked our members to contact their local Make-A-Wish office and to work together as much as possible on this campaign," Cliff noted.

To help raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, IAAPA members participating in the IYOC campaign will be encouraged to form "fun-raising" partnerships with their local Make-A-Wish chapter or affiliate consisting of activities and events dedicated to the long-time appeal of the carousel. A portion of the money generated will be shared between the local chapter and the main foundation.

In addition to raising funds and calling attention to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the IYOC campaign will also call attention to parks and attractions. "Nearly everyone has a carousel, and that means everyone can join in the fun and help promote their park with professional material and through professionally-planned events," said incoming IAAPA Chairman Rene Aziz, of Grupo Magico, Mexico City.

"With the materials the IAAPA has prepared for everyone, it's simple and it's a good excuse to put out a message to the entire family," Aziz told AB.

John Roberts, president of Busch Entertainment Corp., and IAAPA Chairman, said that more than anything, the campaign "will draw positive attention to our industry. Many will be able to take advantage of it because practically everyone has a carousel."