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Carousel proves highlight of new heritage exhibits

Carillon Park opened new $8 million addition over the weekend.

Clarissa Hutchinson, 8, of Kettering, and Jim Bruns, of Maria Stein, ride the Carousel of Innovation on Sunday at Carillon Historical Park’s new Heritage Center of Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship. The $5.5 million center opened to the public over the weekend.

Chris Stewart/Dayton Daily News Staff Photogra Clarissa Hutchinson, 8, of Kettering, and Jim Bruns, of Maria Stein, ride the Carousel of Innovation on Sunday at Carillon Historical Park’s new Heritage Center of Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship. The $5.5 million center opened to the public over the weekend.

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Video: Heritage Center of Dayton

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer Updated 9:30 PM Sunday, August 21, 2011

DAYTON – Grace McKenna just couldn’t contain herself.

The 7-year-old was jumping up-and-down with excitement as she stood at the railing of the Carousel of Dayton Innovation, waiting to board.

“I really like riding, it’s SO much fun!” said Grace, who already had selected the De Havilland DH4 airplane.

Accompanied by her 3-year-old sister and parents, Grace was one of hundreds of visitors checking out the new exhibits over the weekend at the Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship.

The $8 million addition at Carillon Park officially opened Saturday with about 800 visitors, after an estimated 600 attended a VIP event Friday evening.

On Sunday, visitors busily pressed buttons, watched videos, and listened to life-sized animatronic figures relate Dayton’s creative history.

But the brightly colored carousel was the star attraction.

James Cooke, of Beavercreek, quickly lost count of how many times his 2-year-old daughter, Reagan, and her doll Quincy had ridden. Every time he took her off, she started sobbing.

“She loves carousels, and I knew it would be like this,” the father said. “I bought the unlimited-ride ticket on our way in. It’s the best $75 I’ve ever spent!”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Heritage Center of Dayton  Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship

Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Admission: $8 for adults (ages 18-59), $7 for seniors, $5 for children (ages 3-17) and students. Children younger than 3 and members of Dayton History are admitted free. Carousel rides are $1. A $75 annual carousel membership includes unlimited rides and entrance to the park for the whole family.

More information: (937) 293-2841, (877) BE-HISTORY or visit www.daytonhistory.org

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