The hand-carved animals at the Carousel of Dreams have hijacked the attraction's social media accounts, and they're not giving them back.

The Carousel of Dreams at The Factory at Franklin launched a social media campaign in which its wooden carousel animals are "taking over" the organization's online accounts, Williamson Source reported Sunday, Oct. 25. The campaign doubles as a fundraising push for the Circle of Giving, the nonprofit behind the carousel that supports organizations across Williamson County.

Leading the charge is Toadsworth, the carousel's frog character and, according to the announcement, the only animal on the platform wearing pants. He serves as the main point of contact for the accounts, with other animals rotating in during the coming weeks.

"We're cooperating fully with the frog and his co-conspirators," said Brandy Blanton, president and CEO of the Circle of Giving. She added that if letting the animals run the accounts brings more visitors and raises more money for area nonprofits, the organization is happy to hand over the reins.

Toadsworth has backup. The cast includes Braveheart, a seven-foot lion, and Jack the Rabbit alongside Fang, a wolf who has chased Jack since the day they were carved. Ikaika, a hippocampus originally designed for a carousel in Hawaii, and Alena, a unicorn, round out the crew.

Each animal will take turns posting updates, behind-the-scenes content and information about the Circle of Giving's work. Ride proceeds help fund an annually selected group of Williamson County nonprofits, according to the Carousel of Dreams website.

Artist Ken Means hand-carved the carousel's animals. His first carving was a rocking horse he made as a Christmas present for his daughters. That project launched a 30-year journey that produced the full menagerie now spinning at The Factory.

The Circle of Giving operates the carousel and hosts events including The COG Experience and A Franklin Christmas to raise money for local nonprofits. Residents can follow the takeover on the Carousel of Dreams' social media pages.

What's coming up:

  • Halloween week: Braveheart, the seven-foot lion, takes charge of the Carousel of Dreams social media accounts.
  • Late November: The carousel animals are planning a holiday surprise. Details have not been released.