-- Celebration Marked with Free Carousel Rides, Photo Contest, #Carouselfies, $100 Gift Cards & More --
Destiny USA is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Carousel Center this week on Thursday, October 15, with a number of exciting promotions, including free carousel rides, a "Throwback Thursday" Facebook photo contest with $100 gift card prizes, #Carouselfies and more. Carousel Center, which was rebranded Destiny USA in 2012, opened on October 15, 1990 and has become a key economic driver in the Central New York region, growing to be New York's largest shopping, dining and entertainment tourist destination with more than 25 million visits annually.
"Twenty-five years ago, we were focused on the grand opening of Carousel Center right here in Syracuse, New York," said Bruce Kenan, partner, Destiny USA. "And now, twenty-five years later, we're focused on broadcasting all it has become, the region's premier tourist destination, to the world, from Canada to China and everywhere in between. We're excited to celebrate this important milestone with the Central New York community and beyond as we look to the future of Destiny USA."
Anniversary Promotion Highlights:
· Free Carousel Rides—In celebration of the 25th anniversary, there will be complimentary rides on the Carousel from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18.
· "Throwback Thursday" Facebook Photo Contest—Now through Thursday, October 15, Share a photo representing your best memory at Carousel Center from the past 25 years with Destiny USA on its Facebook page for a chance to win one of 25 $100 gift cards.
· #Carouselfie Photo Booth—Celebrate the anniversary by snapping and sharing a "#Carouselfie" in a special photo booth in front of the iconic Carousel.
· Retro Music from 1990—Vanilla Ice. Milli Vanilli. Madonna. Listen for special "retro" music from 1990 played over the Public Address (PA) system throughout the week.
· Celebratory Cupcakes—Cupcakes will be distributed on Thursday, October 15 at 12:30 p.m. by the Carousel (while supplies last).
"The opening of Carousel Center was a transformational event," said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. "Residents and visitors entering our city used to see a scrap yard and oil tanks where Carousel was built. Thanks to great vision and commitment to our community, we have seen it transform into Destiny USA and become a major economic engine in Onondaga County."
Over the past 25 years, Carousel Center and Destiny USA has grown in employment to more than 6,000 people annually, and pumped more than $500 million in taxes and fees into Syracuse and Onondaga County. Destiny USA continues to drive regional tourism and economic growth with its strong mix of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, including several outlets like Coach, Jos A. Banks, Brooks Brothers and Nordstrom Rack (opening next week).
"We are ecstatic to celebrate 25 years of Carousel Center (now Destiny USA) in this community," stated Visit Syracuse President David Holder. "The impact it has had on the local economy and our tourism value as a regional destination is outstanding. The start of Carousel Center was definitely a game changer and continues to surpass regional and even international tourism expectations."
There are 27 stores in the current Destiny USA lineup that have remained since the opening of Carousel Center. These include J.C. Penney, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret, Auntie Anne's Pretzels and more.
