About the Project

One attraction lies at the center of practically every amusement park and fairgrounds across the country – the carousel. Carousels live at the heart and soul of American culture, bringing out the kid in all of us. Meridian proudly honors that American icon with a one-of-a-kind outdoor public art exhibit: Around Town Carousels Abound. Paying homage to one of Meridian’s most popular attractions, the historic Dentzel Carousel in Highland Park, this colorful exhibit has life-size carousel horse sculptures standing tall throughout Meridian and surrounding areas.

The exhibit features over 60 horses, each of which has its own sponsor, special theme and unique design painted by a commissioned artist. For over a decade now, the entire collection of horses has been welcoming visitors to Meridian and fostering a love of the arts in all members of our community, young and old.

A special horse called Faith Riding Hope stands outside Hope Village for Children, a special partner to this project since it began. Proceeds from the carousel exhibit benefit Hope Village, founded in 2000 by actress and Meridian native Sela Ward to provide hope, shelter and treatment programs for neglected and abused children.