Nothing stirs up happy memories like a ride on the carousel. With its light-hearted music from the calliope and beautifully decorated horses; up and down, round and round and then back home again.

The addition of the brass ring came during the heyday of the carousel. Riders on the outside row of horses were given the exciting little challenge of grabbing a ring from a wooden device as the carousel would turn. Most rings were iron, but one or two per ride were made of brass; if a rider managed to grab a brass ring, it could be redeemed for a free ride.

The phrase "grabbing the brass ring" has been found in literature as far back as the late 19th century and can also mean striving for the highest prize or living life to the fullest.