The contract with the East Bay Regional Park District to operate the
historic Hershel-Spillman 1911 Carousel in Tilden Park in the hills
above Berkeley, California, is going out for bid now.  I don't know
where they are advertising this opportunity but I thought I would
mention it on MMD because there is so much crossover between mechanical
music people and carousel people.

The contract is usually for five years with an invitational option for
another five if they like you.  It involves not only the maintenance
and operation of the carousel but also the connected food service.
There is also an apartment on site.

The issue of [maintaining] the two band organs that belong to the
operation is a big political football.  They really need an advocate.

My connection to the issue is as a neighbor.  My family has owned
and operated the Steam Railroad in the same park for 67 years.  I also
collect mechanical music machines.  Here is one of those opportunities
to reach a new generation.

Go to http://ebparks.org/  It is probably the Operations Dept. that is
in charge of the search.

Thanks,
Ellen E. Thomsen - Redwood Valley Railway Co.
Tilden Park, Berkeley, California

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