The 2010 NCA Tech Conference and Convention

Carousels of Discovery

The NCA technical conference and annual convention were combined into one event in 2010. This allowed our members to attend both gatherings one one travel budget. The technical conference was held on September 21, with the convention following on the 22nd through the 26th. Here are some of the highlights!

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"Wally" Walters explains the mechanical maintenance schedule for the Spokane Looff Carrousel Bette Largent explains the ongoing maintenance for Spokane's carrousel figures. Mike Jobe, a certified Washington State ride inspector, tells us about ride safety and inspection.

Debby Dodson, Assistant Riverfront Park Manager, explains ride training and other staff consideration for the Spokane 1909 Looff Carrousel. Back to the hotel for presentations on souvenirs and ride safety. There's always time for a ride. Pictured: Jim Shulman John Caruso goes for the brass ring!

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The pre-convention tour to Kennewick, Washington, where the figures for the Three Rivers carousel were on display. These Carmel jumpers seem to point the way to the Foundation's website for the project.	These jumpers are three of the many original 1910 Carmel figures on display by the Three Rivers Carousel Foundation.
The NCA Preservation Award was presented by Bette Largent to the Three Rivers Carousel board. Pictured: Phil Slusser, Christi Watts, Ken Johanning, and Tom Thornton.
The Washington State Cougar This figure was carved by local carver, Mike Thornton, of Kennewick. It was painted by Sue Wilson Baldwin	The University of Washington Husky The Husky was carved by the Missoula Carving Volunteers and painted by Bette Largent.
Each year the Huskies and Cougars compete in the Washington State Apple Cup. The winning figure will wear an apple around its neck as a trophy until the next Apple Cup is played.

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Lunch on the outdoor patio was provided at A Carousel for Missoula Columbia Belle, the lead horse on A Carousel for Missoula. This horse has two antique jewels on its bridle, donated to the project by Fred Fried.

A Dragon for Missoula, a brand new figure on A Carousel for Missoula The dragon was carved by volunteer carvers from Missoula. A carved dragon by John Thompson dispenses the rings for A Carousel for Missoula.

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The Great Northern Carousel Helena, Montana The art work on the rounding boards is of an application of fired opaque stained glass, created by Helena glass artist Mary Harris. A western big horn sheep with a humming bird is part of the menagerie of Montana animals on the Great Northern Carousel.

Alan Nicolson presented the story of the newly created Great Northern Carousel, which became a family affair and an important part of the Great Northern Towne Center. Helena, Montana Cutthroat Trout, another animal native to Montana

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The Boulder River Carousel Boulder, Montana Bette Largent presents an NCA Preservation Award to Marilyn McCauley, vice president of the Boulder River Carousel, and Jim Stout.

The Boulder River Carousel Boulder, Montana When you move a carousel in Montana, all it takes is high-capacity crane! The horses on the Boulder River Carousel were cast from aluminum by Boulder volunteers.

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The Spirit of Columbia Gardens Butte, Montana Rounding Board and Horses ready to gallop! The Columbia Gardens carving shop is open to visitors.

This is the only horse that survived the Columbia Gardens fire in the 70s Celtic Dream and Hope Two of the newly carved horses for the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel Board Member Charles Crawford enjoying the toys at a rest stop

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The Silverwood Carousel Athol, Idaho Silverwood transforms into Scarywood for Halloween!

Bette Largent presents an NCA Preservation Award to Nancy DiGiammarco, general sales manager at Silverwood. Thunder, one of the nicely painted horses on the Silverwood carousel

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Our trip to Republic took us by Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State Our dinner was specially prepared. Pictured clockwise around the table: Jerry Reinhardt, Marilyn Reinhardt, Rick Domaratius, Christine Domaratius, Bill Sharkey, Rita Sharkey, Jim Shulman, and Jackie Shulman

Bette Largent presents an NCA Preservation Award to Art and Nancy Morris for Republic's Ferry County Merry-Go-Round Western bluegrass music was provided by Stoney River.

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Attending NCA Board members: Vicki Vanden Bout, Charles Crawford, Bette Largent, Jo Downey, Linda Allen, Nancy Morris, and Gary Nance Jerry Reinhardt in his auctioneer attire.

Convention coordinaters Don ane Bette Largent are presented with a book of carousel memories. Margaret Franklin models her carousel hat at the convention dinner!