Valentine's Day is just around the corner on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. If you are looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate for lunch that day, the Shelby City Park has a unique offering: Lunch at the Carrousel. Just $11 pays for lunch catered by Dressing on the Side and live music provided by Eddie Cook, along with the beautiful setting of the Shelby Carrousel.
"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 Tommy Forney, amusements supervisor for the parks and recreation department. "We will stop the music once or twice to give folks who want to a chance to hop on and ride."
This will be the twelfth 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. "It's winter, so it's kind of a surprise to come in from the cold (sometimes) and have the table cloths, the nice decorations, warm and fresh but simple food (soup and gourmet sandwiches, salad and dessert), good friends and the Carrousel as a centerpiece. The live music completes it."
Forney says the crowd for the event has ranged between 50-80 each year, with a variety of people attending the event. "Church Bible study groups will come together, along with mothers and daughters, couples (of course), and friends. All different kinds of people. It's not strictly a romantic 'date' thing," he says. "It is just a nice relaxed way to spend time. No pressure!"
Proceeds go to cover the meal and the cost of the event, and any extra money raised is split between the Carrousel Friends group and the City Park.
For details about making reservations or for more information about Lunch at the Carrousel, search for "Shelby City Parks" on Facebook or visit the park website at www.cityofshelby.com/departments/parks-and-recreation.














How long have you been having the Valentine Lunch at the Carrousel? (What year was the first one held)?
I think this is the 10th year. The first one was held in 2006.
Why was it started?
It just seemed like a nice thing to do, to have a special event at a special time in this unique facility. It's winter so it's kind of a surprise to come in from the cold (sometimes) and have the table cloths, the nice decorations, warm fresh but simple food (soup and gourmet sandwiches, salad and dessert), good friends and the Carrousel as a centerpiece. The live music completes it.
What is the money that people pay used for? (Is it just for the meal or does it support the Carrousel or City Park in some way?)
Well the price is very reasonable so it does go for the meal, but whatever we make is shared between the Carrousel Friends group and the City Park. The Friends run the gift shop and maintains a fund for special needs that may arise.
Who is involved in making it happen (park personnel, catering, music, etc.)?
It's planned by parks staff, the Friends group, and the caterers, Dressing on the Side. Kathy Woody has always done a great job and we always know we will have good food well presented. Other volunteers from the Carrousel Friends help out with serving. The park staff sets up, operates the carrousel, and cleans up. Eddie Cook has been playing solo acoustic instrumental guitar music the last few years and is known for his high quality playing that fits the occasion.
Does the weather affect it or is it all indoors?
It's indoors and we have heat. If it's cold an people dress accordingly, it is very comfortable. If there is snow or ice, we would evaluate and at least once we had to postpone the event.
How many attendees have you had in the past?
We have had between 50 and close to 80 I believe. We have many groups and regulars that come every year.
What kind of people come? (Couples, friends, coworkers)?
Yes, all of the above. Church groups like a bible study group or a mother and daughter, couples of course, friends, etc. It's not strictly a romantic "date" thing, but it can be a nice relaxed way to spend time. No pressure.
Is there anything else that you think I should include?
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. We will stop the music once or twice to give folks who want to a chance to hop on and ride. We do have a few that bring children and we can charge accordingly. We communicated with some of our friends in the National Carousel Association when we first did this and at least one, the Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, KS, has copied the idea and it's been a success for them too.
By April Hoyle Shauf

Special to the Shelby Shopper & Info