The Carousel of Light Story
When Lance Shinkle's daughter, Chelsea was just a little girl, he illustrated and wrote a book for her about a carousel horse named Jingle Bell. The father would take the daughter to visit and ride her favorite horse every week. One day a little boy beat the little girl to Jingle Bell and was too rough with the horse breaking off one of Jingle Bells wooden ears. The owner of the carousel was going to replace Jingle Bell and the father and daughter found Jingle Bell in a pile to be thrown away. They took Jingle Bell home and together worked on Jingle Bell so the horse was as beautiful as ever. The carousel owner was so thrilled with Jingle Bell he put the horse back on the carousel and gave the little girl a golden ring to wear so she could ride Jingle Bell whenever she wanted.
This is Bubbles. A wheel chair assessable chariot that really blows bubbles
Chelsea loved the book so much that her Dad, a local Cape Cod sign carver and artist began to create his opus;The Carousel of Light. Lance’s shining masterpiece, is now a hand-crafted and meticulously painted carousel, each piece lovingly carved from a block of wood and transformed by a man’s vision, passion and gift into elaborately decorated horses and other elaborate and colorful segments of this beautiful orchestra of amusement.
Lance began the task of hand-carving each horse in 1988. The creative process begins with an original drawing by Lance, which is transferred onto a set of wooden planks of Eastern White Pine wood, each plank a cross section on the horse. Lance devised the carving system to achieve animated forms and greater strength.The planks are laminated together to create hollow block of wood in the rough shape of a horse. A chain saw is then used to carve out the contour. The figure is finished with hand chisels and sandpaper, and the horses were color-dyed and painted.
Lance has created 20 horses, two chariots and three ornamental sculptures. He has painted 12 colorful scenery panels to decorate the carousel. The nautical-themed carousel includes sea horses, mermaids and fishing nets in the same windblown style of the horses and chariots.
Lance has created 20 horses, two chariots and three ornamental sculptures. He has painted 12 colorful scenery panels to decorate the carousel. The nautical-themed carousel includes sea horses, mermaids and fishing nets in the same windblown style of the horses and chariots.
Detail of the intricate artwork
The carousel debuted in July 1993 at the Barnstable County Fair. After, it was displayed throughout Cape Cod to rave reviews from children and adults alike. In 1994, the talented woodcarver approached local businessman and fellow artist, Jim Bowen, with the idea of establishing a non-profit organization to operate the carousel he had meticulously carved. Bowen, who was also the president of the Falmouth Village Association, eagerly embraced the challenge.
Together, they gathered a dedicated group of influential community members, including Arthur Calfee, Troy Clarkson, Grace Bardelis Gleason, Richard Meyers, and Richard Sherman. This team laid the foundation for what would become the Carousel of Light Inc. Despite their enthusiasm, initial efforts to find a suitable location for the carousel proved unsuccessful. The project faced a significant setback when Lance Shinkle moved to California to care for his ailing father.
The vision was reignited in January 2013, as the board of the Carousel of Light Inc. was reactivated. Lance returned to his home in Falmouth. In February of 2013, Lance shipped the carousel back to Falmouth. and donated his masterpiece to the Carousel of Light, Inc. Over the next 18 months, they undertook extensive fundraising efforts and performed essential maintenance and safety inspections on the then 68-year-old carousel mechanism. Their hard work paid off, and in 2014, the Carousel of Light began its first season of operation at Mullen-Hall School in Falmouth, MA.
Since then, the Carousel of Light has become a beloved seasonal attraction, enchanting thousands of children and families each year. Lance Shinkle's beautifully hand-carved horses continue to bring joy and wonder to all who visit. The Carousel of Light remains a testament to community spirit and the enduring magic of childhood dreams.
Together, they gathered a dedicated group of influential community members, including Arthur Calfee, Troy Clarkson, Grace Bardelis Gleason, Richard Meyers, and Richard Sherman. This team laid the foundation for what would become the Carousel of Light Inc. Despite their enthusiasm, initial efforts to find a suitable location for the carousel proved unsuccessful. The project faced a significant setback when Lance Shinkle moved to California to care for his ailing father.
The vision was reignited in January 2013, as the board of the Carousel of Light Inc. was reactivated. Lance returned to his home in Falmouth. In February of 2013, Lance shipped the carousel back to Falmouth. and donated his masterpiece to the Carousel of Light, Inc. Over the next 18 months, they undertook extensive fundraising efforts and performed essential maintenance and safety inspections on the then 68-year-old carousel mechanism. Their hard work paid off, and in 2014, the Carousel of Light began its first season of operation at Mullen-Hall School in Falmouth, MA.
Since then, the Carousel of Light has become a beloved seasonal attraction, enchanting thousands of children and families each year. Lance Shinkle's beautifully hand-carved horses continue to bring joy and wonder to all who visit. The Carousel of Light remains a testament to community spirit and the enduring magic of childhood dreams.
A white stallion rides to the rescue!
The 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation is hard at work to bring this dream into reality. Funds are needed to repair, restore and maintain the horses and the vintage 1947 Allen Herschell mechanism that makes the merry go round spin. Donations can be made online or by check payable to Carousel of Light Inc. (tax ID 04-322147) at 17 Meadow Lane, Falmouth, MA 02540