In the heart of the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Family Fun Center, one unique treasure stands apart—a carousel horse named “Sprinkles,” who brings joy to all who visit. With her glossy white coat brilliantly adorned with her jeweled , Sprinkles seems ready to leap from her display at any moment, inviting families to capture a memory alongside her. But before she found her place in the Lodge, Sprinkles had quite a journey of her own…
Once upon a time, in 2011, the wife of a late woodcarver donated the horse to the Frankenmuth Woodcarvers Guild. Over the years, each of the skilled carvers in the Guild took turns carving her, a little bit at a time. She was carefully crafted, smoothed, and painted, with each detail a tribute to the skill and dedication of her creators. Finally, in 2021, Sprinkles was ready, her spirit of playfulness brought fully to life by artists Kurt Sherwood, Steve Day, Phyllis Grimpo, John Krasny, and many more.
This artistry and collaboration among the woodcarvers has a deep-rooted history. The Guild itself traces back to 1966, when Bavarian Inn founder William “Tiny” Zehnder invited German-born master carver Georg Keilhofer to demonstrate his craft at Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Festival. Keilhofer, trained in Berchtesgaden, Germany, including studies in drawing, sculpting, and art history. Settling in Frankenmuth, he shared his knowledge at the Schnitzelbank Shop, owned by the Bavarian Inn, where he taught generations of woodcarvers the value of patience and skill.
By 1975, Keilhofer’s influence had grown and he was invited to lead the newly formed Frankenmuth Woodcarvers Guild. The Guild blossomed, welcoming students from across the country to learn traditional woodcarving. Keilhofer’s legacy continues today at the Guild’s meeting space, affectionately known as “The Eagle’s Nest” in Heritage Park, where members gather weekly to carve, collaborate, and keep the spirit of Bavarian craftsmanship alive.
In 1986, the Guild gave a lasting gift to Frankenmuth, dedicating thousands of hours to carve 27 oak panels depicting Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The panels, crafted from locally sourced oak, are displayed in a pavilion designed by Frankenmuth architect Dan Walter. Like Sprinkles, these carvings are enduring symbols of the community’s shared values of artistry and tradition.
When Guild members Jeff Sugden and Roger Schmidt approached Michael Keller Zehnder, President of the Lodge, and he learned of Sprinkles’ history and the love poured into her creation, he knew the Bavarian Inn Lodge would be the ideal home for this extraordinary horse. The name “Sprinkles” galloped into Marketing Manager Kelly Martin’s thoughts as the perfect nod to Emilie’s Eis ice cream and candy shop. Sprinkles is now more than just a beautiful sculpture—she’s a cherished attraction and a symbol of the lasting connection between the Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Frankenmuth Woodcarvers Guild.
Sprinkles is ready to greet everyone who walks through the Fun Center and as families pose for photos with her, they write themselves into a fairytale that began decades ago in both Germany and Frankenmuth—one of tradition, dedication, and a touch of magic.
To learn more about the Frankenmuth Wood Carvers’ Guild, click here!
