Caras Park near downtown Missoula really is a magical place from a kid's perspective. There is a fantastic play area, modeled after a big scary dragon; walkways studded with colored glass and plastic; a giant cement cat; swings, slides, etcetera; and this whimsical merry-go-round.

Here is the story of the carousel, because I couldn't make up something better if I tried (you should be able to click on the pic to make it full size):

Each horse has a history. I was drawn to this particular steed, as was a little girl who'd been waiting in line. Before I had time to press my shutter button, she'd already climbed aboard to claim it for the ride.