But the mall's owner, General Growth Corp. of Chicago, has spoken. Come Jan. 31, the Menagerie Carousel goes silent. It will be replaced by something as mundane as a watch wagon or T-shirt stand. The company's profits may tick upward, but Las Vegans will be poorer for it. She doesn't want to get off.
Truth is, no one does.
During a recent trip to the mall, adults read the sign announcing the carousel's closing and grumbled, their day ruined. Even those at the mall without children or grandchildren voiced their disappointment. Reader John Strachan was hurt by the decision to remove the carousel. When the Menagerie Carousel leaves the Meadows mall, it will take with it the unmistakable sound of joy. John L. Smith's column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.