Accoya USA and the Kingsport Carousel

In celebration of tradition, community, and craftsmanship—and in recognition of the deep roots both Accoya USA and the Kingsport Carousel share in Tennessee—Accoya USA proudly sponsored Trooper, a hand-carved carousel horse created for the Kingsport Carousel. Headquartered in Kingsport, Accoya USA saw this project as a natural partnership, blending historical preservation with modern material innovation to be enjoyed by the local community. Trooper’s base is crafted entirely from Accoya wood, selected for its unmatched durability, dimensional stability, and sustainability—qualities that ensure this tribute to heritage will endure for generations.

Design & Craftsmanship

“Trooper,” a hand-carved, carousel horse created by local artisan Barry Hess, was originally made as a traveling showcase of the craftsmanship behind the carousel, but it also acts as a substitute when another carousel animal needs repairs. Inspired by a rare 1919 military-style mount originally sculpted by master carver John Zalar for the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, Trooper pays homage to early 20th-century carousel artistry and the enduring legacy of hand-carved design. This nod to early 20th-century carousel artistry honors both the legacy of carousel design and the meticulous effort behind each figure. While Trooper is carved from traditional hardwoods, his base is crafted entirely from Accoya—a modified wood manufactured in Tennessee and trusted by architects and woodworkers alike for its long-lasting performance in exterior conditions.

“As a company rooted in Tennessee, it’s meaningful for us to contribute to something as beloved as the Kingsport Carousel,” said Rod Graf, general manager at Accoya USA. “Trooper represents the kind of craftsmanship and community pride we admire, and we’re proud that Accoya will help support that legacy for generations to come.”

Located at 350 Clinchfield Street in Kingsport, inside the Pal’s Roundhouse, the Kingsport Carousel is a community-led, menagerie-style attraction that opened in 2015 after more than six years of volunteer-driven effort. The project was inspired by the late Gale Joh, a Kingsport resident and carousel enthusiast who envisioned bringing a hand-carved carousel to his hometown. After his passing in 2010, his widow, Valerie Joh, along with local volunteer Reggie Martin, carried the project forward with the help of over 300 community members.

Set on a restored 1956 Allen Herschell frame, the carousel features:

• 32 hand-carved animals, including a unicorn, tiger, and frog
• Two chariots and 24 rafter creatures
• 24 original bird paintings and 24 painted rounding boards, all depicting Kingsport’s heritage

Each piece took between 800–1,000 hours to complete, making the carousel not just a ride, but a community-crafted piece of public art.

Pictured (R-L): Trooper standing tall with Carousel Volunteer Eric Long, Artisan Craftsman Barry Hess and Carousel Worker Heather Buckley

10 Years in Motion

In July 2025, the Kingsport Carousel marks its 10th anniversary with a special exhibit at the Renaissance Center celebrating its rich history and community impact. As part of the festivities, you can find Trooper traveling to local events, sharing the story of the carousel and showcasing Kingsport’s commitment to innovation in materials. A proud symbol of this milestone, Trooper bridges the past and future, blending century-old craftsmanship with modern sustainability, firmly grounded on a base made of Accoya wood.