Reception fetes carousel project

SANDPOINT — The community is invited to learn more about the Carousel of Smiles project at a champagne reception today at the Sandpoint branch of Mountain West Bank.

Several of the ponies will be on display as will one of the chariots, all in various stages of restoration. The community is invited to see the “process and progress of the pretty painted ponies.”

The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the bank, located at 1323 Highway 2 in Sandpoint.

Clay and Reno Hutchison saved the 1920s Allan Herschell carousel from being broken up and sold at auction when they purchased the entire machine in 2000. Community volunteers are breathing life back into the ponies as each one is restored, from the hand-carved woodwork to the colorful paint that gives each one its unique personality.

Information: thecarouselofsmiles.org