Rye Playland Opens, Celebrates Grand Carousel 100th Anniversary

RYE, N.Y. - Rye Playland held its opening day for the spring season Saturday, with a parade, entertainment, and a celebration of the park's Grand Carousel's 100th anniversary.

County Executive Rob Astorino cuts ribbon to open Playland for the season.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Crowds celebrate opening of Rye Playland Saturday.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Kathy O'Connor (R), Commissioner of Parks Dept.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A good crowd showed up despite cool weather conditions.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The Port Chester HS Marching Band in opening day parade.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Playland workers march in the opening day parade.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Getting in that first ride.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A clown and his duck.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Riders take a spin on the carousel.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Riders enjoy the Grand Carousel.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Playland's Grand Carousel celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Mugging for a photo with park mascot, Coaster the Dragon.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Kids enjoy the rides on Playland's opening day.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Playland opened its doors for the spring season Saturday.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

05/09/2015 8:30 p.m.

The grand carousel, which consists of 66 stunning, bejeweled horses and three chariots, was built in 1915.

"I've got a big smile on my face, and it will be there all day," Astorino told Daily Voice. "This is just a great family day. Playland means a lot to the people of Westchester - and to me personally, I used to come here when I was a kid. ... That's why I was on a mission to save this."

Astorino referenced the $25 million deal with a new private company taking over the Westchester landmark, and breathing new life into it.

"The deal we put together is going to do that," he said. "A lot of money will be put into this place. The taxpayers will benefit - and this park is going to look magnificent going forward, with a whole new set of attractions, and a mini water park, restaurants. ... It's going to be a new experience for people. But still have the main flavor of Playland."

Astorino said that if all goes well, the new company will take over in November, and "they'll begin to do their magic," he said.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.