Viewfinder: Easton's Beach Carousel

The most popular horse among the 56 jumping steeds on Carousel has purple spots and a purple saddle blanket. The carousel operator says he doesn’t know why this one animal should stand out among the herd, but it’s a mighty attractive ride.

When the 1940’s-era merry-go-round was installed in 1952, it was farther down the beach near the bathhouses. It stood there at ground level until the 1991 hurricane, when it moved into its new second-story home next to the rotunda.  Today, fun seekers can catch great views of the beach out the windows as they ride around to the sound of Disney tunes.

Though everyone thinks of children when they see a carousel, it’s also popular with the “unusual wedding venue” crowd. Between 40 to 60 couples a year choose to get married at the beach and hold their reception among the whirling horses. Few of them are Newporters, though. Most of them come from out of state.

“It’s not too expensive and the beach makes a really nice place to get married,” said one employee.

The rides are still only $1.00, or buy a packet of 10 for $20. The carousel is open weekends until June 20, when they switch to a summer schedule: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays until Labor Day.