Volunteer – Inspire Happiness With Us! – Carousel of Happiness, Nederland Colorado

The Carousel of Happiness is a special place. Our goal is to bring a little joy into people’s lives.

Keep scrolling to see current volunteer opportunities, such as sharing your knowledge in the Gift Shop, using your skills to do a special project, or supporting our various maintenance needs. If you would like to volunteer in another area, please reach out to us to discuss the best way to work together to keep inspiring happiness! We have logged over 20,000 volunteer hours since opening in 2010, in a variety of different areas. We value our volunteers’ energy and ideas!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please use the link below, email us at [email protected], call our office at (303) 258-3457, or just stop by during business hours. We’d love to have your help!

Summer 2025! - Carnival of Happiness Help

Do you love the carousel but only have a limited amount of time? Do you love chatting with parents and their children in the Nederland community? Do you enjoy being a little silly? Or maybe you just want to find a new place to connect and get to know your neighbors?

We are looking for volunteers to run fun carnival games as a fundraiser for the carousel this summer. Join us at one of the summer concerts in Chipeta Park or at the Ned Farmer’s Markets to show your love for the carousel and support your local community.

Dates:
August 2, 2025 (Summer Concert Series at Chipeta Park)
Sept 14, 2025 (Farmer’s Market)
Oct 5, 2025 (Farmer’s Market)

Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator by using the button below, or send an email to [email protected] with your interest and availability.

Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities

Carousel of Happiness Ambassador

Carousel Ambassadors are the first face visitors see upon entering the carousel. They ensure all visitors feel welcome, and answer questions about the carousel and local activities. Additionally, Carousel Ambassadors are stewards of the “carousel story,” taking time to share it with interested visitors.

In addition to these basic duties, we encourage volunteers to personalize the position based on their own interests and skills (see examples below).

Art Ambassador

Spark creativity in the carousel by hosting a collaborative art activity, craft, or demo of your work. Encourage adults and children alike to express themselves through activities like sidewalk chalk drawing or button making. Or share your medium with others by helping visitors contribute to a collaborative, carousel-themed work. (Supplies provided.)
Local Expert

Do you know the best trails at West Mag? Do you have an opinion about the best latte in town? Share your expertise with visitors from all over the United States and the world.
Compassionate Listening

Are you a great listener? Do you love “being there” for others? Bring those skills to the Carousel of Happiness! Visitors often experience a wide range of feelings and memories during their visit here, and we love offering the opportunity to share their stories with a compassionate human being.
Create Your Own!

Don't see your interest mentioned above? Have a great idea? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] to tell us about yourself?

Carousel Gardening Help

Many Nederland locals have gardens, and some manage not only their own gardens, but they help keep the Carousel of Happiness north and south gardens looking gorgeous June through November. Think about volunteering a morning each week to dead-head our spent Achillea, or water our aspens, irises and poppies one evening each week from June through October.

Donate some flowering shrubs from your own garden, or volunteer to sweep and tidy our circular bench and paths, perhaps with your children or grandchildren, on a regular day throughout summer. We welcome and value our dependable volunteers who tend the garden which adds to the joy of our guests who visit the Carousel of Happiness. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please use the link above, email us at [email protected], call our office at (303) 258-3457, or just stop by during business hours. We’d love to have your help!

Carousel Maintenance Help

Are you handy? Have experience in mechanical maintenance? Or just don’t mind getting greasy and aren’t afraid of heights? Join our maintenance crew! Lovingly called the “Grease Monkeys,” we are sometimes in need of volunteers to assist with carousel maintenance projects. This position demands adherence to safety standards and the physical ability to lift 50lbs. Previous experience with engineering, mechanics, amusement rides (especially carousels!) or other related fields is typically required of our maintenance volunteers. We are also seeking local connections for specific skill sets, such as welding and manufacturing. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please use the link below, email us at [email protected], call our office at (303) 258-3457, or just stop by during business hours.

Summer 2025! - Carnival of Happiness Help

Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities

Carousel of Happiness Ambassador

Art Ambassador

Local Expert

Compassionate Listening

Create Your Own!

Carousel Gardening Help

Carousel Maintenance Help

Carousel of Happiness

Subscribe to News