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ALPENA MAN'S HAND-PAINTED CAROUSEL FULFILLS DREAM
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
July 10, 2013 Wednesday 10:20 AM GMT
By BETSY LEHNDORFF, The Alpena News
ALPENA Mich.
Mike Arzo's last name means "may your wishes come true."
And it could be the reason he plunked down $280,000 at a Las Vegas
trade show for a hand-painted carousel that was made in Argentina.
Later this month, area residents could get their first chance to
catch a ride among the pageantry of bejewelled horses and elegant
white chariots lined with red velvet. All are inspired by the ancient,
over-the-top city of Venice.
"When I am making you happy, I am happier than you are," said Arzo, who
owns a sports and amusement park five miles north of Alpena on US-23.
Arzo told The Alpena News ( http://bit.ly/156THeD) that when he was
a child in Armenia, he and his family were poor.
"I would wait in line hoping for a ride on a carousel," Arzo said.
"One time I stood in line three days in a row. Finally someone offered
me a free seat, and then a family member arrived and I had to go back
in line."
Despite his situation, Arzo grew up to earn an advanced degree in
electrical engineering and invented a digital readout system for
elevators. The product was snapped up by Otis Elevator Co., and Arzo's
future was launched.
Drawn to Alpena because of its spectacular fall colors, Arzo purchased
a miniature golf and driving range called Puna's Playground. In 2009,
he and his wife, Mary, reopened it to the public and he began adding
amusement park rides as a hobby. Other family members, including
Arzo's brother and Mary's parents, offered a helping hand or visited
to cheer them on.
The carousel is located in a large pole barn, which also shelters
an Irish bumper car ride. But construction of the floor isn't yet
complete, so Arzo is hoping the ride will open by the end of this
month.
"It's hard to find somebody in Alpena, who knows how to put together
a carousel," park Manager Josh Alberts said.
But work has been proceeding at a steady clip. A Ferris wheel and
colorful outdoor rocket ship ride were added last year.
Both Arzo and Alberts said the horses' tails are made out of real
horsehair, and the painting is meticulously detailed. No two horses
are alike, some embellished with gilded scales and all glittering
with jewels.
Arzo and his wife do not have children of their own, and look forward
to entertaining young visitors in the future.
"When I see the kids on the horses, that will be the payoff," Arzo
said. "That's what I am."
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
July 10, 2013 Wednesday 10:20 AM GMT
By BETSY LEHNDORFF, The Alpena News
ALPENA Mich.
Mike Arzo's last name means "may your wishes come true."
And it could be the reason he plunked down $280,000 at a Las Vegas
trade show for a hand-painted carousel that was made in Argentina.
Later this month, area residents could get their first chance to
catch a ride among the pageantry of bejewelled horses and elegant
white chariots lined with red velvet. All are inspired by the ancient,
over-the-top city of Venice.
"When I am making you happy, I am happier than you are," said Arzo, who
owns a sports and amusement park five miles north of Alpena on US-23.
Arzo told The Alpena News ( http://bit.ly/156THeD) that when he was
a child in Armenia, he and his family were poor.
"I would wait in line hoping for a ride on a carousel," Arzo said.
"One time I stood in line three days in a row. Finally someone offered
me a free seat, and then a family member arrived and I had to go back
in line."
Despite his situation, Arzo grew up to earn an advanced degree in
electrical engineering and invented a digital readout system for
elevators. The product was snapped up by Otis Elevator Co., and Arzo's
future was launched.
Drawn to Alpena because of its spectacular fall colors, Arzo purchased
a miniature golf and driving range called Puna's Playground. In 2009,
he and his wife, Mary, reopened it to the public and he began adding
amusement park rides as a hobby. Other family members, including
Arzo's brother and Mary's parents, offered a helping hand or visited
to cheer them on.
The carousel is located in a large pole barn, which also shelters
an Irish bumper car ride. But construction of the floor isn't yet
complete, so Arzo is hoping the ride will open by the end of this
month.
"It's hard to find somebody in Alpena, who knows how to put together
a carousel," park Manager Josh Alberts said.
But work has been proceeding at a steady clip. A Ferris wheel and
colorful outdoor rocket ship ride were added last year.
Both Arzo and Alberts said the horses' tails are made out of real
horsehair, and the painting is meticulously detailed. No two horses
are alike, some embellished with gilded scales and all glittering
with jewels.
Arzo and his wife do not have children of their own, and look forward
to entertaining young visitors in the future.
"When I see the kids on the horses, that will be the payoff," Arzo
said. "That's what I am."