Donate Today!
Thank you for considering a donation to Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. There are many ways you can support the work we do! The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round relies on our friends for the financial support necessary to maintain our historical treasure. Our Merry-Go-Round does not receive local, state or federal funding.
Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Preservation Fund or our Operating Fund by check or online.
2025 Preservation Fund Campaign
As we enter our 32nd year of operation, we are reaching out to ask for your continued support in preserving the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, a cherished cultural landmark that has brought joy to generations of families in our community. With your help, we are excited to launch our 2025 Campaign, which focuses on ensuring that our beloved carousel remains an accessible, vibrant, and safe experience for all who visit.
Each year, we also face significant expenses to maintain the building that houses our historic carousel and its iconic horses. Your generous donation will go directly toward vital improvements that will help sustain the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round for future generations.
With your past help, we have accomplished the restoration of 33 horses, renovated our bathrooms, purchased and installed new stirrups that enhance safety for riders of all ages, and protected the horses.
This year, we hope to accomplish the following projects:
• Continuing the preservation and restoration of our antique horses to enhance both safety and the rider experience.
• Upgrading the pavilion surround and concession stand lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, reducing our carbon footprint.
• Replacing windows in the pavilion to improve security and energy efficiency.
• Making critical repairs to the merry-go-round's operating mechanism to ensure the carousel continues to run smoothly and safely.
• Recruiting skilled craftspeople with the expertise needed to maintain our merry-go-round and the building.
• Developing a plan for energy savings through the installation of a solar-based system.
• Restoring and updating the concession counter to meet the needs of doing business today while maintaining historical integrity.
The pavilion has served our visitors well for many years, but it is time for further updates and improvements to ensure the best experience possible. These planned projects will not only modernize the space but will also help preserve the historical integrity of our merry-go-round and make it a safer, more enjoyable place for all who visit.
We are committed to the preservation of the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and with your support, we can continue to share this "Happiness Machine" with future generations. Every dollar donated goes directly toward these critical renovation efforts and the continued care of our carousel and building.
Please consider making a donation today. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our beloved merry-go-round.
Thank you for your continued support!
To make a tax-deductible donation to either the Preservation Fund or the Operating Fund by check, please make your check out to the “Holyoke Merry-Go-Round,” indicate the fund you wish to make your gift to, and send it to Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. To make a honorary or memorial donation, email friends@holyokemerrygoround.org or call (413) 538-9838.
John T. Hickey Preservation Fund
Our Friends’ Annual Preservation Fund – which was established in 1995 as a separate fund to support the ongoing maintenance, repairs and restoration of the Merry-Go-Round – has been renamed to the John T. Hickey Preservation Fund in memory of John Hickey. In John’s memory, we will work to “add enduring beauty to our city and create a background sound of old-time band organ music, mixed with children’s laughter, for generations to come.”
Preservation Fund donations back the ongoing horse restoration of the precious Merry-Go-Round horses, as well as antique organ repairs to the 1929 Artizan band organ and building.
Operating Fund
Our Operating Fund was established in 1993 to offset operating costs such as continually increasing energy and insurance costs as well as other expenses necessary to keep our Merry-Go-Round twirling. These expenses amount to more than our ticket, merchandise and party sales can support and are necessary to allow us to provide affordable entertainment to the region.
Honorary and Memorial Donations
To recognize or remember a special person, family or friend - donations can be made in their honor or memory in any amount to the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round to ensure the sucess of the carousel for generations to come.
Donation Letter
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