Just a short drive up I-40/85, the Town of Burlington is in possession of a rare jewel–a three-row, turn of the century Dentzel Menagerie Carousel. While Burlingtonites can visit their town park and climb aboard one of the 46 hand-carved wooden animals just about anytime, the town holds a festival each year to remind the rest of us that it’s OK to be a kid again. The festival features music including Nashville’s Julie Roberts and Chairman of the Board with General Johnson, food and crafts, along with arts displays that feature other works by the Dentzel family and the carvers who turned an amusement ride into an art form. The festival runs Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 19 from 1-6 p.m. Ride one of the 26 painted ponies or take your pick from a selection of hand-carved cats, ostriches, rabbits, pigs, deer, giraffe, a lion, a tiger, or chariots. Go to www.ci.burlington.nc.us/recreation/events.htm for details.
