As far back as I can remember, Playland Park in Rye, New York, has
always played their band organ continuously from opening to closing.
Many people have visited, to come and sit and listen to the organ.
People have made special requests for songs of which I certainly
try to fulfill all notated.

As the ride operators would discover a particular roll they like,
ballroom dance couples have waltzed about, telling the operators to
_not_ change that side of the music roll player (on the Wurlitzer
duplex style 165).  Professional singers and dancers have graced us
with impromptu performances.  An Argentine tango ensemble stayed for
an entire playing of Rich Olson's tango roll and danced so beautifully
around the carousel!

Many wedding ceremonies have been performed on this Mangels/Carmel
machine (1915), and much to my delight, the song used was John T.
Hall's "Wedding of the Winds".  I actually learned this piece from
sheet music as a child.

I cannot imagine a carousel without music flowing out from the center;
all our instructions on riding are posted on signs at the entrance and
also next to the queue line.

Musically Yours,
Lawrence McGowan - Playland Park
Rye, New York