Iconic Butte carousel hosts family fundraiser event on Saturday

BUTTE, Mont. – The Spirit of Columbia Gardens will host a St. Patrick's Day-themed fundraiser on Saturday, March 7 to support the iconic carousel in Butte's Stodden Park.

This carousel has been a part of Butte’s community for the past eight years. It was inspired by the original Columbia Gardens, an amusement park that entertained families for 75 years until it closed in 1973.

Ed Curran, the general manager of the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel, emphasized the importance of this new addition.

"It's a new memory for a new generation," Curran said. "My generation and older generations remember the Columbia Gardens, the roller coaster, the carousel, the bi-plane, the big playground, and then picnic areas. Well, we don't have that anymore. This is a new memory for the children now, and they can tell their children about it, but we plan on it always being here."

The carousel's horses are hand-carved and painted in Butte, and because it is an indoor attraction, it operates year-round. This requires substantial funds to maintain.

Curran said they aim to raise $40,000 to keep the carousel running smoothly. Saturday's fundraiser will be a key effort in reaching that goal. The event will feature food, drinks, live music, auctions, and games, all with a St. Patrick's Day theme.

"We're going to have horse races going, we're going to have Plinko going," Curran said. "Last year we did it, and it was the first time we had all the games. People loved it. So, we're just hoping that the people will come out and support us and make it a successful event again."

Tickets for the fundraiser are $50 per person and will be available for purchase on site when doors open at 4:30 p.m.

More information about the carousel is available on the Spirit of Columbia Gardens website.