It has become a tradition in Shelby every Valentine's Day. Families, co-workers and friends choose to mark the day of love by enjoying lunch at the Shelby City Park Carrousel. Tickets are now on sale for this year's "Valentine's Day Lunch at the Carrousel" event, which will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

"It's a really good value because you get a great lunch, a beautiful location and fantastic entertainment -- all for just $12," says Tommy Forney, amusements supervisor for the Shelby Parks and Recreation Department. The meal is catered by Dressing on the Side, and acoustic guitarist Eddie Cook will perform throughout the two-hour event. The Carrousel will be open for rides during and after the lunch until 5 p.m.

This year's lunch will consist of homemade vegetable soup, a sandwich choice, fruit, dessert and a hot or cold drink.

"We set the tables up around the outer edge of the carrousel like the spokes of a wheel, so no one has their back to the ride," says Forney. "We will stop the music once or twice during the lunch to give folks who want to a chance to hop on and ride."

The event is a joint venture of Shelby Parks and Recreation and the Carrousel Friends organization. All funds raised will be split between the two organizations.

This will be the 15th year for the event, which made its debut in 2006. "It just seemed like a nice thing to do, to have a special event at a special time in this unique facility," says Forney.

Forney says the crowd for the event has averaged around 75 each year, with a wide variety of people attending the event.

"While we do get some sweethearts, we also get all kinds of friends and coworkers who come. In fact, we have a group of retired school teachers who come together every year," says Forney.

For more information about "Valentine's Day Lunch at the Carrousel," search for "Shelby City Parks" on Facebook, or visit the park website at www.cityofshelby.com/parks. Call 704-484-6476 to make reservations.