The 2011 NCA Convention

Hoofbeats in the Rockies

The NCA conference for 2011 was held in September in Denver, Colorado. In addition to lots of great meals, we visited seven carousels in Colorado and had a great time visiting with old and new friends. Here are some of the highlights!

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Our welcoming sign was displayed proudly in the lobby of The Timbers hotel. Jo Downey and Norma Pankratz, Convention Co-Hosts, and Diane Nance in the registration area

Karen Van Sant, Billie and Al Noren, and Melba Clapp attending the registration table. NCA Vice President and Convention Co-Host Jo Downey at the Opening Ceremony

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This beautiful Stein and Goldstein horse rides on the outer row of the Pueblo Carousel. Our Bus Drivers! We'd trust them with our lives! Bette Largent presents an NCA Preservation Award along with an NCA Historic Carousel Award to George Williams

We were treated to live music during Lunch in Pueblo NCA Board Member Charles Crawford and Catherine Crawford are ready for a ride. You never know what you'll find behind the saddles of these horses!

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This breathtaking view of Colorado Springs is visible from the carousel area. Allan Herschell Builders The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo NCA Executive Secretary and Convention Co-Host Norma Pankratz with Diane Nance at the zoo.	One of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo carousel horses Bill and Rita Sharkey Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff members having a discussion with NCA President Bette Largent and NCA Grant Chairman Linda Allen
This band organ was playing tunes from the 50s

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The Denver Zoo Conservation Carousel Don Largent Waving to his Fans Bette Largent presents an NCA Preservation Award to Bobby Stroede, KM Concessions at the Denver Zoo

The carousel building with a lot of NCA members looking on A handsome camel A peacock chariot

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Elitch Gardens Don't leave Denver without it!
The upper rounding boards on the Elitch Gardens PTC Carousel Bette Largent presents an NCA Preservation Award to Elitch Gardens General Manager Rod Rankin	One of two roman style chariots on the Elitch Gardens carousel Watching the Carousel Spin Kurry Lewis, Don Largent, Noel Hinde, Art Morris, Nancy Morris, and our "C" bus driver before he broke his iPhone

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Jean Bennett on a magnificent goat Jo Downey displays the NCA Preservation award received from Bette Largent, along with the staff and volunteers at the Kit Carson County Carousel This miniature of the Burlington Carousel is on display at the museum next to the carousel building Jane Toal Harriet MacDowell and the "C" Bus Driver

A row of deer Margaret Franklin and NCA DIrector Rich Kenyon enjoy a ride on a zebra. Vickie Stauffer and John Caruso From the "Money Side" Our dinner was a "Cajun Boil", and was served to each table with a grain shovel! Will Morton received an NCA Brass Ring Award for his dedication to the Colorado Carousels over the years. He has done restoration on the Burlington, Pueblo, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo carousels, as well as several other carousels in other states!

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The Carousel of Happiness Nederland, Colorado Diane Nance visiting with the Gentle Giant on the Carousel of Happiness Scott Harrison, Creator of the Carousel of Happiness, accepted this NCA Preservation Award on behalf of the Community of Nederland

A very tropical looking fish This rabbit is late for a very important date! This Alpaca with Ballet Shoes is affectionately known as the "Ballet Llama"

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Rhoda Krasner, Lakeside Park owner with her daughter Brenda holding an NCA Preservation Award presented by Bette Largent Layers of paint show on this outside row jumper

Another interesting cantle carving on this C.W. Parker horse A pink rabbit and a small zebra on the Lakeside Park Carousel

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This miniature by Jerry Reinhardt was on display at the Round About Fair One of these was given out as a raffle prize on each bus Entertainment at the hotel was provided by Bill Barwick and bass player / coyote impersonator Steve "Mac" McCartney. Bills sings Western, NOT Country! Charles Crawford and Norma Pankratz Drawing the Winning Ticket

Cliff Black was ecstatic to purchase tickets for the can raffle Jerry and Marilyn Reinhardt received a double brass-ring award for auctioneer services, and for their ongoing work at the NCA Archives Gary Nance received a brass ring award from Bette Largent for services as NCA webmaster and for helping out other carousels with their websites