The Carousel of Dreams is Coming to Life in Franklin
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The festivities kick off with carousel rides starting bright and early at 10 a.m., but the real party begins at 1 p.m. and continues until 4 p.m. Think face painting, balloon animals, interactive booths, and special appearances from your kids' (and maybe your own) favorite storybook royalty and comic book heroes.
The Carousel of Dreams is a jewel in The Factory's crown — hand-carved, hand-painted, and decades in the making, it's the culmination of a lifelong dream for master carver Ken Means. Since 2019, Ken has quietly worked from his studio at The Factory, a space he took on at his daughter's urging, transforming it into a workshop of wonder. Inside, the walls have witnessed nearly 30 years of dedication as he meticulously sculpted a menagerie of vibrant, whimsical animals destined to delight generations.
It's more than a carousel; it's a monument to patience, craft, and imagination. The mechanism powering it even has a bit of showbiz sparkle; it once belonged to none other than P.T. Barnum and dates back over a century. And it's about to come to life.
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But the event isn't just about the thrills and photo ops. Operated by local nonprofit The Circle of Giving, the carousel's proceeds will go toward supporting four Williamson County charities in 2025. Every carousel ride helps support youth mentorship, inclusive play spaces, affordable housing initiatives, and critical resources for students in need.
'This is a dream come true for so many,' says Brandy Blanton, President and CEO of The Circle of Giving. 'This celebration is more than just a fun afternoon. It's a way for the community to come together, count our blessings, and pour back into each other. We live in a special place, and the Carousel of Dreams will forever be part of our story moving forward.'
Admission to the event is free, and carousel rides are just $5 (available on-site on the day of the event). Online ticket sales will also start in late June. Kids under 42 inches tall ride free, just make sure a grown-up tags along (you'll need to spring for your own ticket, adults). Prefer a more grounded experience? There's a beautiful handcrafted chariot built for those who'd rather glide than gallop (and it's wheelchair accessible!).
Don't forget to swing by the nonprofit booths while you're there. You'll meet the people behind FrankTown Open Hearts, Friends of Franklin Parks' Ellie G's Dream World, Hard Bargain Association, and Needs of Our Kids (N.O.O.K.) — the very organizations your rides are supporting.
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Oh yes, and there's merch. Carousel of Dreams t-shirts, hats, and even limited-edition posters signed by Ken Means himself will be available. Need a ride? The Franklin Transit Authority's got you covered with shuttle service from Liberty Elementary School every Saturday, running from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a suggested dollar fare each way.
Let the dreams begin! For full details, visit thecircleofgiving.org.
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