Merry Go Round of History: Liz Jutras Owner of Appliance Warehouse Supports

For Liz, owner of Appliance Warehouse and Great Living Home, the sound of a carousel is the sound of pure joy. It’s the cheerful music that pulls you in from down the boardwalk, the laughter of kids trying to pick the perfect ride, the feeling of a simple, happy moment shared with family. Here in our Salisbury Beach community, we are so lucky to have one of the most unique and vintage carousels in the country built in 1909.

 

 

As a local business, Liz believes it’s our job to help protect this community treasure. That’s why she’s so excited to be a part of the 1909 Menagerie Gala: A Merry-Go-Round of History. Liz Jutras is the chairwoman of this incredible event, and she couldn’t be prouder to help rally support for a place that has given our community so much.

A Gallery of Moving Art

The Salisbury Beach Carousel isn’t just any carousel. It’s a genuine 1909 Looff-Mangels original, making it one of the few remaining antique carousels of its kind in the entire country. It was built by Charles I. D. Looff, a legend among carousel carvers, during the golden age of American amusement.

 

For 116 years, this ride has been bringing joy to people’s lives. Each of the 44 animals was carved by hand from wood, with gleaming glass eyes and personalities all their own. It’s a rare “menagerie” carousel, featuring not just horses, but also zebras, camels, giraffes, and other beautiful creatures to ride.

A Gift We All Share

This carousel has a survivor’s spirit. When it was in danger of being dismantled and sold off piece by piece, our community refused to let that happen. People came together to save it, restore it, and give it a permanent home.

 

But the carousel’s value isn’t just in its preserved history; it’s in the life and laughter it brings to Salisbury Beach today. It stands as a true community hub, a place where generations connect. It’s where grandparents who rode carousels as children now lift their own grandchildren onto the painted saddles, sharing a tradition that spans decades.

 

Its mission is to bring joy to everyone, which is seen in its outreach to underprivileged kids and local seniors, and in its dedication to full accessibility, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can share in the ride right alongside everyone else.

An Invitation to a Truly Special Night

To honor this living piece of history, the annual Gala will be an evening of true elegance and celebration. We invite you to join us on Thursday, September 18, 2025, beginning at 6 PM at the beautiful Blue Ocean Music Hall on Salisbury Beach.

 

The evening is designed to be unforgettable. After a red carpet welcome, you’ll be treated to the incredible sounds of the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra. It will be a night of delicious food, dancing, and community spirit. One of the evening’s highlights will be the exciting live and silent auctions, featuring unique pieces and experiences that you won’t want to miss.

 

Come and support the star of the show—the carousel itself! 

Join Us in Keeping the Magic Alive

As a non-profit, this Gala is the carousel’s single most important fundraising event. Every dollar raised directly impacts the organization’s ability to sustain operations, provide community outreach, enrich the local arts, and build for the future.

 

Your support will play an instrumental role in helping achieve that mission. Beyond purchasing a ticket, please consider sponsoring the event. Our vibrant community spirit is powered by an incredible team of volunteers, and if you’re looking for a rewarding way to give back with your time, we are also looking for more friendly faces to join us!

Volunteer, Sponsor, or Get Your Tickets Today

This incredible premier event is presented by Salisbury Beach Carousel, Inc. and Newburyport Bank. Liz and Appliance Warehouse are so proud to be a part of it. Whether you’re a local or a long-time lover of carousels, this is your chance to support something truly special.

Ready to be a part of this historic evening? You can get your tickets or learn about sponsorship at the official Gala website.