Governors Island
New York, NY 11231
USA
The New York Nineteenth Century Society cordially invites you to discover and experience ‘Fete Paradiso’ on Saturday, September 14th 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., on Governor’s Island. Picnic with the society and enjoy the most spectacular collection of working 19th century carnival rides in the world!
The Fete Paradiso collection began in the 1970’s when a French couple by the name of Fabienne and Francois Marchals began buying up aging amusements that were gathering dust around France. The end result was this fantastic collection with pieces from 1850 onward. In 2011, the couple put up their collection for auction and sold three quarters of it to French cookware designer Francis Staub, who’s dream it was to buy a carnival and take it on the road. Mr. Staub along with fellow carousel collector Regis Marclet, pooled their collections together for this amazing festival accessible to the public on Governor’s Island, the perfect backdrop for an abundance of turn of the century amusements.
To bring their vision to life, it took six months of planning and four weeks of installation with a French artisan family from Rennes, France that specializes in rebuilding and repairing museum quality carousel pieces.
Join us and picnic in these festive surroundings and take advantage of some truly spectacular photo opportunities. Learn the history of the collection, or that of a particular amusement ride, from our charming hosts and their knowledgeable staff.
PLEASE NOTE: For those unfamiliar with Governor’s Island, at Soissons Landing- 11am-1pm, one member of the NYNCS will be there to meet you and direct you to Nolan Park and picnic area where another member will be waiting.
Highlights include:
The Bicycle Carousel (This has to be seen to believe! There is nothing more Steampunk than a motorized bicycle ride that starts off with everyone peddling in unison. When the motor finally kicks in… HANG ON! There is no way this ride could ever be built today.)
The Chinese Dragon Carousel
The Auto Carousel (children) 1950s (Yes, there are a few 20th century distractions, but fun for the little ones none the less.)
The Adult Swing Ride
The Child Swing Ride
2 Swing Boat Rides (children)
… and more!
For further information: http://www.feteparadiso.com/
Tickets: The ferry to Governor’s Island is FREE and leaves every 1/2 hour.
Amusements rides are $3.oo with ticket packages available. They include:
The All Rides Band $40.00 (Good for ALL nine rides)
The Thrill Band $20.00 (Good for the three fastest ride in the park: The Bicycle Carousel, the Chinese Dragon Carousel, and the Flying Chairs.)
Governors Island Map: http://www.govisland.com/downloads/pdf/map.pdf
Governors Island Directions and Ferry info: http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/directions.shtml
For other alternatives go here: http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/visit/directions
There’s also and interactive map here: http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/interactive-map/?location=pier6
Rain date Saturday, September 21st.
