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The Albany Times Union reported last week that the 28-horse Illion carousel will finally reopen to the public on June 29. Involved with the project since 1987, restorationist Bill Finkenstein now rushes to finish the painting before its inaugural spin, while referencing Illion's own shop manual.

The city purchased the machine in 1987, but a debate immediately ensued over the ride's future location. At one point, we spoke with someone from the city's preservation commission who actually expressed opposition to placing the ride where it seemed to belong, in the city's picturesque Congress Park. It would appear, then, that common sense has prevailed, because the carousel will sit in the park.

According to the article, the carousel operated in three previous locations: Luna Park in Clifton Park (Rexford?), New York, Round Lake, and Kaydeross Park. The city purchased the carousel in 1987 when Kaydeross Park closed.



Nestled within the gates of Congress Park lies the famed Canfield Casino, a historic 1870s gambling casino named a National Historic Landmark. Although no longer used for gambling, Canfield is steeped with beautiful architectural....