Donate Today!
Thank you for considering a donation to Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. There are many ways you can support the work we do! The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round relies on our friends for the financial support necessary to maintain our historical treasure. Our Merry-Go-Round does not receive local, state or federal funding.
Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Preservation Fund or our Operating Fund by check or online.
2026 Preservation Fund Campaign
For nearly 100 years, Lancelot and the 47 hand-carved horses of the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round have brought joy, laughter, and lasting memories to our community. As we approach this historic milestone, we’re asking for your help to ensure this beloved carousel continues spinning for generations to come.
We are proud to launch our 2026 Preservation Campaign, focused on several urgent needs essential to keeping the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round safe, protected, and operational. In addition to caring for our historic horses and mechanism, we must address critical repairs to the aging pavilion that shelters them.
As the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round enters its 33rd year of operation as part of Heritage State Park, we respectfully ask for your continued and timely support to help preserve this treasured cultural landmark. The carousel has brought joy to families throughout our region, and with your assistance, we can ensure it remains a safe, vibrant, and accessible experience for all who visit. These improvements will modernize the space while preserving the historic character of the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round.
This year, our most pressing priorities include:
- Replacement of the pavilion roof, which has reached the end of its useful life and is critical to protecting the carousel, horses, and visitors
- Replacement of deteriorating windows throughout the pavilion to improve safety, security, and energy efficiency
- Critical repairs to the merry-go-round’s operating mechanism to ensure continued safe operation
- Continued restoration of carousel horses to enhance safety and preserve historical integrity
Thanks to your past generosity, we have restored 35 carousel horses, renovated restroom facilities, installed new rider-safety stirrups, painted the carousel platform with specialized non-slip paint, and taken important measures to protect these historic figures.
We are deeply committed to protecting this beloved 'Happiness Machine'. Every dollar donated goes directly toward essential renovation efforts and the ongoing care of both the carousel and its pavilion.
Thank you for your continued support!
To make a tax-deductible donation to either the Preservation Fund or the Operating Fund by check, please make your check out to the “Holyoke Merry-Go-Round,” indicate the fund you wish to make your gift to, and send it to Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. To make a honorary or memorial donation, email friends@holyokemerrygoround.org or call (413) 538-9838.
John T. Hickey Preservation Fund
Our Friends’ Annual Preservation Fund – which was established in 1995 as a separate fund to support the ongoing maintenance, repairs and restoration of the Merry-Go-Round – has been renamed to the John T. Hickey Preservation Fund in memory of John Hickey. In John’s memory, we will work to “add enduring beauty to our city and create a background sound of old-time band organ music, mixed with children’s laughter, for generations to come.”
Preservation Fund donations back the ongoing horse restoration of the precious Merry-Go-Round horses, as well as antique organ repairs to the 1929 Artizan band organ and building.
Operating Fund
Our Operating Fund was established in 1993 to offset operating costs such as continually increasing energy and insurance costs as well as other expenses necessary to keep our Merry-Go-Round twirling. These expenses amount to more than our ticket, merchandise and party sales can support and are necessary to allow us to provide affordable entertainment to the region.
Honorary and Memorial Donations
To recognize or remember a special person, family or friend - donations can be made in their honor or memory in any amount to the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round to ensure the sucess of the carousel for generations to come.
Donation Letter
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