Old Frenchified Fair

If memory serves, I've only had one "We Love Governors Island" post so far this summer, which means I still have one or two more coming (based on annual averages). We headed there a few weeks back expecting to find a kids' field sports event that I'd seen listed. Jason went early with Rosemary after her swim class, and littler girls and I caught the next ferry out after their nap. When we got off the ferry, we roamed around a bit as I texted Jason trying to figure out where they were, and all of the sudden I heard this rhythmic squeaking, rattling sound punctuated by an occasional HONK HONK HONK. So we rounded ducked in between two houses on Officer's Row and saw this amazing site: 

Maybe it's hard to tell from the tiny video, but it's antique old French carnival ride called a Velocipede, a great big circular bike where all riders have operational pedals. It turned out to be part of the Fete Paradiso, an antique traveling french fair that was gorgeous and magical, and a little rickety too -- which actually made it seem more amazing that it was there in the first place, since everything looked like it should be in a museum rather than in use.

The Velocipede goes as fast as its riders collectively make it go. The honk honk is made by a barker honking a big bike horn to encourage speedy peddling. After going forward for awhile, the barker gets people to slow down, stop, and then start going backwards. Sylvia almost leapt out of the stroller trying to get to it. Jason said he wanted to take her on but this mean mama said no.

Rosemary, however, decided she didn't want to go on it, so we went looking for other options. This boat swing fit the bill -- another "ride" that operates on people power.

Rosemary also went on a carousel ride, which was also antique and amazing, but I took no pictures because Jason went on the ride too so I had both Littles to watch. In general, there was a fair amount of baby tracking going on, since neither baby is particularly interested in staying by our side. I don't know if they assume we will follow them or if they don't care, but there's no staying still when they are out of the stroller.

No one went on this one, but I was in love with it from afar:

The look on Maggie's face is so quintessentially Maggie. I don't recall why she was making it then -- she often gets this expression when she sees someone drop something she thinks needs picking up. Very concerned citizen.

Totally charming pugilistic ball toss:

Video of the ball toss, which I wasn't going to post until I watched it again and saw the interaction between Sylvia (in Jason's arms) and the lady on the left. I've never seen anyone less charmed by her.

After a little bit, we returned to the Velocipede with the idea that Jason would ride it (without Sylvia, much to her dismay). The line was longish and then it began to thunderstorm. So instead we made for the ferry, hoping to return another time. Stay tuned for Part Deux?