Salem Carousel's 'Lady Camoolot' Adopted by Rickreall Dairy

The ornamental Carousel landmark ‘moooved’ down to Salem sometime in 2004.

Photo series of the sale of Lady Camoolot courtesy: salemcarousel.org

(SALEM, Ore.) - An adoption – of sorts – took place in in Salem, Oregon Friday. One of the Carousel’s artworks, Lady Camoolot, a fine bejeweled bovine, was transported via truck and trailer, from Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, out to live at the Rickreall Dairy.

Lady Camoolot originated in 2001, it is believed.

The idea of a cow came from participation in (what is now an international) community art project and fundraiser called ‘CowParade’, where local artisans & businesses were (& are) encouraged to sponsor, create, auction and donate cows to be displayed during the host city’s culminating exhibition event (Portland March 2002).

Proceeds go toward various local & international organizations that benefit children. cowparade.com/.

Camoolot – was sponsored by a group from the Jantzen Beach Super Center in association with its antique C.W. Parker carousel, who had the idea to make a carnival type ‘kow’ for the upcoming ‘Parade’.

They, in turn, enlisted the Salem Carousel’s help, having heard about our building project & scheduled grand opening prior, and secured our artisan painters to do the painting once the fiberglass bovine form was made.

Lady Camoolot was then put up for auction and purchased, along with 3 others, by the Harry A. Merlo Foundation) – and after her initial exhibiting – set about to travel on display at various locations before coming to live at the World Forestry Center, (Mr. Merlo is the founder of the Forestry Center) in Portland’s Washington Park, for a period of time.

Then she ‘moooved’ down to Salem sometime in 2004, where she continued to delight visitors for the next 5 years or so, decked out in her shining armor.

The Carousel has limited storage space available and has seen an increase in the number of equine figures they have on display – so an adoption sponsor was facilitated to take on the TLC of her ladyship.

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Rickreall Dairy and it’s owner, Louie Kazemier, were contacted and enthusiastically agreed to further stable this beautiful, one-of-a-kind cow. Both organizations saw this as a naturally, perfect, new fit. The Dairy, Carousel, Forestry Center and Super Center have entered their respective, high field trip seasons – welcoming over 100+ school children daily at times.

Each organization has educational opportunities, especially designed for school groups & children to receive and participate in unique, hands-on learning experiences.

Lady Camoolot’s journey will continue now, at the Dairy, as both a valuable piece of community artwork and an added attraction - as well as for photo opportunities and a great conversation piece – sharing the living histories the two cities, four local organizations, one state and an international endeavor share – because of their mutual love & dedication to the health & happiness of children everywhere.

For further details and visitors hours to any of these establishments contact:

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, salemcarousel.org 503.540.0374 (* Carousel horses are also offered as display attractions by request)

Rickreall Dairy, LLC 503.871.1743

worldforestry.org/ 503.228.1367

jantzenbeachsupercenter.com 503.286.9103