Supporting the Ward County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village Carousel Restoration

Ward County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village Museum in Burlington, North Dakota, recently received an unexpected and deeply appreciated $10,000 donation from the Magic City Lions Club. The gift will help restore an antique carousel that once operated in a Minot park.

WCHS hopes to have the carousel functional by next fall, depending on volunteer help and cash donations for materials. A building will also need to be funded and erected soon afterward to protect the carousel from further deterioration.

How You Can Help

• Sponsor and name a carousel horse: $5,000 donation
• Place your name on a bench inside the building: $2,500 donation
• Receive recognition on the outside of the building: $50,000 donation for a plaque
• Fund the building in its entirety: donor, company, or family name displayed above the doors
• Give any amount or volunteer time: even one dollar, or a few hours spent cleaning and painting parts, will help move the project forward

Pictured above are two carousel horses painted by two generous and talented volunteers. From left to right: Dan Caswell, WCHS President; Tim Hoff, WCHS Board Member; Dixie Walker, Magic City Lions Club; and Kathy Fimreite, WCHS Board Member.

Visiting and Membership Information

Meetings, Hours, Tours, and Rentals

WCHS meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 6:45 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Group tours may be available after hours with advance notice by phone. WCHS also has buildings available to rent, including houses, a church, and an event center, for a variety of uses.

Admission and Memberships

Beginning January 1, 2027, WCHS will charge $5 per person for guests age 6 and older. Some exemptions may apply, including school tours and other groups, so please check in advance.

• Annual membership: $50 per year
• Annual membership for military members, students, and seniors: $40 per year
• Lifetime membership: $500
• Lifetime membership for members over age 65: $400

Annual Events

WCHS hosts two major events each year: Old Settlers Weekend in June and a vehicle show in August. Both events include food, ice cream, hayrides, and a variety of activities.

About the Magic City Lions Club

The Magic City Lions Club describes its purpose with a simple statement: “We serve.” Lions serve locally in many ways and are supported by programs, service resources, funding opportunities, and organizational support for eight global causes and several special initiatives.

Those global causes are childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, the environment, humanitarian service, hunger, vision, and youth. Locally, the Magic City Lions have supported many causes, including a recent $100,000 contribution to Minot State University to refurbish a lecture hall.

The club’s $10,000 contribution to the Pioneer Village carousel project fits within its local youth initiative and is one of many charitable projects funded through the gaming sites the club operates. The Magic City Lions recently celebrated giving $1,000,000 to the communities they serve.

In addition to funding nonprofit groups, club members volunteer at many events and complete a Meals on Wheels route every Wednesday.

Meetings and Membership

The Magic City Lions meet every Tuesday, except Tuesdays immediately after holidays, at the Parker Center in downtown Minot. Breakfast is served at 7 a.m., and the meeting begins at 7:30 a.m.

The club is always looking for new members. For more information, visit magiccitylions.com.