City Reaches Deal for New Inner Harbor Carousel

News Release | January 8, 2013 | 0 Comments

Baltimore City Release:

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces Charm City Carousel Entertainment, LLC As Operator Of New Inner Harbor Attraction

BALTIMORE, MD. (January 3, 2013) – Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the selection of Charm City Carousel Entertainment, LLC (Stevensville, MD) as the operator of a new carousel at the Inner Harbor. The attraction will be located between the Maryland Science Center and Rash Field. The City will enter into a lease agreement with Charm City, and the carousel will become operational in the spring of 2013, contingent upon Board of Estimates approval of the agreement.

“Baltimore’s Inner Harbor draws families from all over the country and the world to experience everything our unique waterfront has to offer,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “This new carousel is yet another new attraction for visitors and residents to enjoy. It will be a real treat to see our bright and bustling skyline from atop a member of the carousel’s animal menagerie.”

“The carousel was a fixture at the Inner Harbor for decades and I am thrilled that a new carousel, with new operators, will be ready to entertain Baltimore families and guests,” added Councilman William Cole. “It is a key connection between the South Baltimore community and the Inner Harbor and I’d like to thank the Mayor for ensuring that this neighborhood friendly amenity will be returning this Spring.”

Earlier this year, the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) and the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks jointly issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a new Inner Harbor attraction to provide high-quality entertainment, as well as positive educational and cultural experiences for all visitors—with a special emphasis on families and young children. Two proposals were submitted in response to the RFP.

Charm City will operate a classic carousel that features a platform 34 feet in diameter, populated with 30 menagerie figures (a mix of horses and other animals) and two chariots. Charm City will pay the City $50,000 annually in rent.

“All of us at Charm City Carousel Entertainment are excited to bring family fun to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor promenade in the form of a beautiful carousel. Our entire team has direct ties to the Baltimore region, and we fully understand the harbor’s world-class reputation as a family destination,” said Mark Rosenzweig, director of operations for Charm City Carousel Entertainment, LLC. “We anticipate that the new attraction will complement the many existing first-rate attractions along the waterfront promenade while becoming Baltimore’s newest iconic entertainment option for tourists and locals alike.”