Isn't it enchanting?

This blog post is part of a new series on the Carrousel Courier called Remember When. These posts are written by our staff, volunteers, and fans on memories of carousels and amusement. See how these memories have influenced us to this day. Interested in sharing a fond memory of your own? Leave a comment or email Ian K. Seppala at [email protected].

1999 Enchanted Forest Water Safari image via www.watersafari.com

Growing up in Chili (pronounced ‘Ch-Eye-Lie’)New York, we celebrate the Chil-E Festival. Which as I write this must be where I get my love of puns from. Having worn a town t-shirt growing up that proudly features the words “Positively Chili” on it. The Chil-E Fest was my hometown annual taste of rides- sack slides, tilt-a-whirl, scrambler, and the ferries wheel were favorites. Along with the popular Chili-Cook-Off, which I must say, my mother won. The plaque featuring a producing plastic gold trophy cup filled with plastic chili beans still hangs in our family kitchen. Several years ago the Chil-E Fest stopped bringing in rides. I honestly am not even 

sure that they have their annual Chili-Cook-Off anymore now...

Though the Chil-E Fest as it used to be was my annual summer amusement fun I could always depend on, when it comes to amusement parks and that nostalgic sensation that tickles your heart when you think of it - that belongs to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Though the park changed its name in 1988 from Enchanted Forest of The Adirondacks to Enchanted Forest Water Safari with the ‘Enchanted Forest’ text becoming rather small on the logo, highlighting the parks future as a prominent water park destination, it is the Enchanted Forest side that always well… enchanted me. ​

My family began vacationing in Old Forge in the 90’s renting a cottage it was frequently my grandmother, uncle, cousin, and my mother. A small family getaway where we would surely have a camp fire, check out the Pied Piper Ice Cream Stand, play putt-putt, canoe, and visit the Enchanted Forest; where I could hardly wait to be greeted by the larger-than-life Paul Bunyan (which by the way National Paul Bunyan Day is June 28th!). 
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The park today is largely divided into two aspects- The Enchanted Forest; the storybook land where you can meet 

Family Photos; Old Forge, NY 1990's

Family Photos; Enchanted Forest Water Safari's Storybook Lane, 1990's

your favorite nursery and fairy tale characters storybook land where you can meet your favorite nursery and fairy tale characters, crawl inside the oven from Hansel and Gretel, sit in Cinderella’s carriage, and visit the the Crooked Man, and many more on Storybook Lane in their fantastically unchanging 1956 appeal.  And the Water Safari; epic splashing, water ride, swimming, lazy river, wedgie-inducing slides, water park. Between the two though, there are several rides, and as I child the Boat Ride; hello, I get to captain my own boat AND ring a bell!?, the Helicoptors, flying about - a real future Ms. Beryl 

Markham, and a chance to ride a carrousel - my mouth gaping upward as I would watch how the mechanics moved and propelled me and my faithful steed for a few minutes. ​Fast forward to 2020 and here I am the Outreach Coordinator and STEM Educator for the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. That Helicoptor, Boat Ride, AND Carrousel from Enchanted Forest Water Safari - All Allan Herschell rides, that are still there! But also, three rides guests can experience here at Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum as well!

Now I help kids find interest in future STEM careers as I explain the mechanics behind these favorites of mine and invite them to look up too at the swinging arm of our Number 1 Special Carrousel here at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. ​​ 

Family Photos; Left: Herschell Kiddieland Boat Ride at Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Right: Herschell Kiddieland Helicopter Ride Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1990's