POTTSTOWN, Pa. — The second-oldest carousel in the nation is right in our area in Montgomery County. But, the Carousel at Pottstown has had a bit of a rough year.
The nonprofit overseeing the carousel was rocked by the arrest of one of its former board members. Investigators accuse him of stealing $300,000 from the carousel organization.
Former ‘Carousel at Pottstown’ board member, attorney charged with theft from foundation, DA says
This weekend, the group is hosting a fundraiser to keep history alive.
“We’ve tried to figure out ways to remain financially solvent during these difficult times. Everybody likes dogs. Everybody likes books, maybe we can reach out to the community and ask for their support by donating their old beach reads and those sorts of things at the end of the summer,” said Nicole Rauen Saylor, carousel volunteer.
From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, the carousel nonprofit is hosting a “Books and Barks” event. Thousands of books will be for sale. Paperbacks will cost $1 and hardcovers will cost $2.
“It’s been incredible. The amount of people that have come and brought their books to us. We can’t thank them enough,” said Deborah Byerly-McFarlin, carousel manager.
The proceeds from Saturday’s fundraiser will help cover operating costs for the carousel as well as benefit To Love A Canine or TLC Rescue in Chester County.
April Robinson is a co-founder of TLC Rescue, which has found homes for nearly 8,000 dogs since 2013.
“We’re completely foster-based. We don’t have kennels or dogs. We have a space but it’s like an adoption center. We’re going to have a puppy kissing booth here with a lot of really cute puppies,” Robinson stated.
All of the dogs at the kissing booth will be available for adoption.