SARANAC LAKE -- The Adirondack Carousel's bobcat seat was unveiled recently at a special ceremony at Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake.

Carved by Robert Eck, a Plattsburgh native now living in Plantation, Fla., the playful cat sports a saddle with a squirrel hiding behind for the ride.

Eck told carousel creators the project has brought him great satisfaction.

"The looks of amazement from onlookers make this entire project worthwhile for me," he said in a news release.

Eck has carved wildlife since 1970 and studied with world champion carver Floyd Scholz and fish-carving professional Ed Walicki.

Eck credits his mother, Helen Eck of Plattsburgh, with encouraging him back into carving with the gift of his father's woodworking tools.

"Now, here we are, 10 years later, with an Adirondack Carousel animal," he said. "The bobcat will be a very special carving for me, and if just one child enjoys my creative effort, it will be worth it."

With Eck at the event were his mother; his wife, Robin; and his sister.

The Adirondack Carousel will be installed in Saranac Lake once 20 characters are ready. It will hold 23 in the end, with 17 ready by this fall.

Groundbreaking for the carousel pavilion is slated for after Columbus Day at William Morris Play Park.