One Horse Of A Kind

The carousel at the Burnaby Village Museum exudes a timeless charm that captured my heart the moment I laid eyes on it. Amidst the dazzling array of beautifully carved horses, one stood out in a riot of colors – the “Colonel Horse.” Its vibrant hues seemed to tell a story of its own, painting a picture of grandeur from a bygone era.

But then, there was “Annie” – a horse with a big, welcoming smile. There was an inexplicable warmth about her that drew me in, making me feel as if we were old friends reunited after years of separation.

As I moved closer to explore further, my attention was caught by “Helping Hands,” a smaller horse that had been thoughtfully added during the restoration process. It seemed to embody the spirit of camaraderie and unity, a symbol of how every contribution, no matter how small, can enrich the whole.

And then, there was “The Gold Heart” – a horse that, true to its name, held a captivating charm that made it a favorite among visitors.?

It was on this enchanting day that I had the pleasure of meeting Marianne, a fellow admirer of this magnificent artwork. As we exchanged stories and shared our fascination for the carousel, she confessed her admiration for the spirited “FireFly Horse.” In a spontaneous gesture, she leaped onto its back, her excitement mirroring the youthful joy that this carousel effortlessly brought to life.

Marianne revealed that the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society had taken up the noble task of restoring the carousel's splendor. Their dedication had breathed new life into these majestic creatures, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

With a gleam in her eye, Marianne shared an idea that had been brewing in her mind. She envisioned a unique way of engaging visitors, inviting them to choose their horse – an invitation to forge a deeper connection with this masterpiece. In a world where clothing brands like Zara and H&M seemed to mold us into uniformity, she believed that these horses could teach us a valuable lesson.

"Let them choose their steed," she mused, "and they'll discover that each horse is a living testament to its own individuality and personality. Like a living piece of art, they embody a spirit that sets them apart from one another, and in doing so, they encourage us to embrace our own uniqueness."

Her words resonated deeply within me, reminding me of the beauty that lies in diversity and the importance of celebrating our differences. The carousel, with its exquisite array of one-of-a-kind horses, stood as a testament to the richness of life's tapestry.

And so, as the carousel music played, and children's laughter filled the air, Marianne's vision seemed to come to life. The carousel was no longer just a ride; it became an experience, a journey of self-discovery, where visitors would not only enjoy the thrill of the ride but also connect with the essence of each horse, revealing fragments of their own stories in the process.