We enjoyed the Sunday afternoon concert on the Spreckels Organ, the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. It includes 4,518 pipes and was an impressive instrument that was donated to the city by a sugar baron. The sound roared out over the seating and could surely have been heard all through the huge park and beyond. We got to peek inside and to see the pipes and baffles and whatnot that make this great machine work. The organist is both a talented performer and had a wonderful dry sense of humor. That was a good thing as the pieces were mostly pretty heavy classical organ pieces by Bach, Verdi and others less familiar. She threw in Moonglow though to show off its mellow blending capability and more “modern” side. Fun. They are planning the centennial as the organ has been in service since 1915. A non-profit volunteer group raised the funds to keep it going. Pretty amazing.
Along with over 15museums and bunch of botanical gardens the park houses a wonderful carousel built in Tonawanda NY in 1910. There are hand carved horses of course, but then there are also frogs, dragons, cats, dogs and many more. Lynn chose the ostrich for her noble steed. One just can not pass up the opportunity to ride a carousel