Twenty-six whimsical creatures will bring Donn Kreofsky's dream to life when an enchanting, hand-carved carousel begins revolving this summer. Kreofsky is the owner of L.A.R.K. (Lost Arts Revival by Kreofsky) Toys in Kellogg, and eight years ago he began his dream of creating a one-of-a-kind carousel, carved from Minnesota wood.

Since then, artisans have carved, sanded and painted a zoo of endearing animals. Following Kreofsky's design, sketches and directions, one woodcarver, one painter and a woodworker have assembled a colorful crew who look like they have leaped off the pages of a children's storybook.

A magic dragon leads this cast of woodland characters. A mother bear runs along carrying a branch with a beehive full of honey, while her cub warily eyes the swarming bees. A buck strides past with antlers full of blue jays. A pelican munches on walleye, and a white buffalo wears an Indian charm to protect it from arrows.

The carousel will finally be assembled this spring and begin its circular journey in May. But its animals have been popular with L.A.R.K. visitors for years. The carving workshop was open to the public, and the completed creatures on display. Customers who have awaited the completion of the carousel will see it come to life this summer. The mechanical workings will be put into palace and the carousel assembled in late April, and by May 1 or so, the rides will begin.

Both adults and children can climb aboard for $1 ride, and wheelchairs back into carved chariots. You can even buy a lifetime carousel pass for $75. The grand opening celebration of the carousel will be May 31 to June 2.

Unfortunately, two creatures surpassed the weight limit of the carousel and have been assigned new roles. A massive moose stands at the entrance to the toy shop, and at his feet lies a miniature hand-carved carousel of otters, beavers and muskrats. The stegosaurus is possibly the largest carved carousel animal in the world, and the dinosaur guards the children's party and play room with a prehistoric theme. There's an erupting volcano, animal prints cover the tables, and kids can crawl into a cave with petroglyphs.

Adjacent to the carousel is Rocking Cafe, where rocking animals hang from the rafters.