Over its 22 years, Olcott Beach Carousel Park has certainly held true to its slogan: “Building Memories for a New Generation.” The park, featuring 25-cent kiddie rides and games, harkens back to a time when a family of four could spend $5 on a full afternoon of entertainment.
“The park is truly a result what a community coming together and working together can accomplish,” says Rosemary Sansone, Olcott Beach Carousel Park, Inc. president.
Back in 1999, Sansone and her husband sold their house in Lockport to live full time at their cottage in Olcott, a beachside hamlet along Lake Ontario about 40 minutes east of Niagara Falls.
Inspired by a conversation she overheard on Main Street between a grandfather and grandson about the days of the old Olcott Amusement Park, Sansone led the effort to recreate a historic amusement park reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s, featuring a Hershell-Spillman carousel, a magic show, vintage kiddie rides and a Wurlitzer band organ.
“I very much wanted to see Olcott come back again,” explains Sansone. “I used to visit that old amusement park as a child and swim at the beach. It was a big, summer event for my family—and it was affordable. I wanted to see what we could do to help other families and the community.”
Families can come enjoy the 25-cent rides for little ones 52 inches and under, then spend time at nearby Krull Park’s splash pad and the beach, and visit neighboring restaurants and ice cream stands, all at an affordable price. The park does not charge admission and relies on volunteers.
“Most of our volunteers are retired, and we bring a wealth of wonderful talents from our time as working professionals,” says Sansone. “We have engineers and electricians and more, and it’s just so wonderful how many people have chosen to use those skills to help our community bring this park to life each summer.”
Olcott resident Deanna Knapp volunteers at the park and says visitors keep her smiling and laughing during every shift she takes.
“Kids come running and jumping into the park with their parents and grandparents, and they’re smiling from ear-to-ear and they’re so excited to be there,” she says. “It’s just so special to see those little kids running around, with smiles on their faces, and the parents thankful they can bring their kids someplace that doesn’t cost so much money to do. It is probably one of the most positive, happy environments a family can go to.”
Olcott Beach Carousel Park is open noon-6 p.m. Friday through Sunday through Labor Day.
Save the date
Janice Spagnola’s Extra Fun Balloon Stage Show
July 13, 2 p.m.
This live show coincides with the all-weekend Olcott Pirate Festival.
Christmas in July
July 18-21
Catch Santa and other fun surprises as he vacations in Olcott for the summer.
Law Enforcement Day
Aug. 11, 12 p.m.
Come join Niagara County Sheriff deputies and N.Y.S. Police for some fun.
The Park After Dark
Aug. 13, 6 p.m.
The annual fundraiser for the park, open to all adults 21 and older.
Community Day
