NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. -- A historic attraction in North Tonawanda is celebrating the 100th birthday of its first carousel.

Guests came to the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum this morning.

They helped celebrate the centennial of Allan Herschell's 1916 special, better known among museum regulars as the "Big Carousel."

Volunteers say the carousel helped launch Herschell's career as a world-renowned attractions builder.

And with more than 35 years of restorations, riders say it looks better than before.

"There's a lot more families in town that normally wouldn't be here," Carousel Society trustee Doug Bathke said. "So we're quite happy that we have the machine repaired now, and that they can come and visit."

Bathke aims to make more small restorations with the help of their volunteers and local artists.