If you’ve been following along as Splash the Pelican works toward achieving the lofty New Year’s resolutions he set back in January, you know he’s made excellent progress. If you’ve missed it you can always read past blog posts to catch up.
One resolution in particular has required continuous dedication: riding the historic Looff Carousel 115 times in honor of its 115th Anniversary! After riding it almost daily since spring break, Splash reached his goal on August 1st, celebrating his 115th ride in style!
I was lucky enough to join Splash that day to help him celebrate this monumental achievement. The celebration began in front of the Giant Dipper, where Splash eagerly watched the Guest of the Day open the park. The moment the button was pushed he soared down to the Carousel, offering high-fives and fist bumps to passing Guests along the way.
He could hardly keep his wings still as he waited for his turn to hop on a horse and complete his 115th ride. As the ride spun, Splash took in the sounds of the band organs mixed with the gleeful squeals of other riders, and the occasional bells and whistles when someone successfully tossed the ring in the clown’s mouth.
In that moment, he was reminded why this beloved ride holds a special place in the hearts of generations of Boardwalk Guests. Each horse and chariot is truly a work of art, showcasing the craftmanship, history, and enduring charm that have kept the Looff Carousel spinning for 115 years.
Check out this video to relive the excitement!
After the ride, he celebrated with some photo-ops before heading back to his nest for some much needed rest and relaxation. Three resolutions down and one remaining, stay tuned to see if Splash can achieve all his goals before the end of the year!
And remember, we are celebrating the 115th Anniversary of the Looff Carousel all month long. Come take a spin, enjoy the unique sounds of the band organs, toss a ring, and experience the longest-running ride at the Boardwalk for yourself.
