Cafesjain's Carousel   

1245 Midway Pkwy
St Paul, MN 55103
651-489-4628
www.ourfaircarousel.org

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Back in 1914, St. Paul resident Austin McFadden commissioned the Philadelphia Tobaggan Company to build a carousel that would be operated as a family-owned concession at the Minnesota State Fair. The project, which included shipping and on-site assembly, cost McFadden $8,500. The carousel quickly became a State Fair landmark and cherished family tradition that was persevered for nearly 75 years. By 1988, the carousel was worth slightly more than $1.1 million and slated for auction. Fortunately, husband-and-wife team Nancy Peterson and Peter Boehm stepped in to launch a non-profit organization and all-out fundraising effort to keep the carousel in Minnesota. Today the carousel has a permanent home in Como Park and is named for Gerard Cafesjian, a retired West Publishing executive and its most generous benefactor. The Cafesjian Carousel features 68 jumpers (carousel horses that move up and down) and two chariots, one of which has been modified to accommodate a wheelchair. Note: The carousel does not operate if the temperature is below 45 or above 95 degrees.