Wild Center Welcomes newest Adirondack Carousel animal
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TUPPER LAKE - Many excited children and enthusiastic adults came out to the Wild Center Thursday to welcome the latest addition to the Adirondack Carousel. Patrons gathering under the big tent enjoyed ice cream cones, $2 off admission to The Wild Center and were the first carousel fans to see the red fox up-close and personal.
The grape-bearing fox was carved by Alice Porter of Ogden, Iowa. Porter, a carver for almost 25 years has been teaching carving at Iowa Central Community College for almost 20 of those years. She says her greatest pleasure in the art comes from carousel animals and the blend of fantasy and magic they inspire. Porter completed the 2 day car ride from Iowa to Saranac Lake with her husband Max.
When asked about transporting the fox, Porter said, "I had a hard time getting him here because my four-year-old grandson thought it belonged to him, he made his mark in the end by putting a little splash of red paint on one of the legs."
Wild Center Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliff remarked, "Wow this animal is gorgeous, I can't wait to see what's next!" Ratcliff and numerous members of her staff were present at the unveiling showing their support for the Adirondack Carousel.
"We are fortunate that organizations like the Wild Center have hosted our unveilings and carver receptions this summer," said Executive Director of the Adirondack Carousel, Dylan Rodrigues. "It's been a busy summer with six animals unveiled to date, but there are still 12 out there waiting to come home to Saranac Lake over the next few months."
The Adirondack Carousel project has been in the works for the past few years. Volunteer carvers locally and from around the nation have generously donated their time and hard work to deliver the final Carousel figures. Most of the figures will be completed this summer and showcased at various events this summer and fall.
For more information or to "Join the Ride" contact Sarah Greenwood at 518-891-9521.
