Sharing the Story City Antique Carousel at Stanhope Watermelon Days

This past Saturday, the magic of the Story City Antique Carousel rolled into Stanhope for the annual Watermelon Days Parade—and came away with 1st place in the Club Entry category! 

Our small but mighty parade crew, led by Director Shanon McKinley, proudly represented Story City and the charm of our beloved 1913 carousel. With colorful flair, community pride, and just the right touch of whimsy, the float caught the eyes (and hearts) of paradegoers and judges alike.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers who helped bring the float to life. From setup to smiles, your energy and enthusiasm made it all possible—and ensured that Story City shined bright in the spotlight!

It’s always a joy to share our carousel's legacy with neighboring communities, and even sweeter when it comes with watermelon and a certificate!