QUEENS — The Forest Park Carousel is hosting an event on Aug. 9 to raise money for Alzheimer's research, the organizers said.
During the event, participants will be invited to ride the historic carousel and take part in a raffle for a pair of $400 plane tickets.
“Carousels make children happy and bring families together,” said Carol Lacks, 64, a Kew Gardens activist and a volunteer at the New York City chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, who is organizing the fundraiser.
“Everything about carousels has to do with memories and people who have Alzheimer’s disease lose them bit by bit.”
Lacks, a retired teacher, said she got involved after her mother had a stroke in 2003, which caused her to suffer from dementia. “I was watching my mother lose many of her memories and it affected me,” she said.
During the event, kids will have their faces painted and watch a magic show.
There will also be an information table where people will be able to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms and treatment.
Last year, more than 200 people participated in the fundraiser, collecting about $1,800 for the Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter, Lacks said.
“An Evening Ride on the Forest Park Carousel to End Alzheimer’s” will take place on Friday, Aug. 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants can have unlimited carousel rides and face-painting for $10 or enjoy individual rides for $3. The Forest Park Carousel is located in Forest Park at Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive in Woodhaven.
