Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Giant Dipper celebrates milestone

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Roller coasters thrilled audiences even before the turn of the 20th century. While all of those are just footnotes in the history of amusement parks, there is an elite selection from the early 1900s that still delight riders to this day. Less than 10 remain operating that have been around 100 years or more.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper is one such ride, turning 100 years old this season. Quite often, a park is imprinted on people’s memories by a signature attraction, and for the Boardwalk, Giant Dipper is just such a legendary thriller. It is, in a word, classic.

Built by Arthur Loof in 1924, Giant Dipper was designated a National Historical Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service in 1987. Continuously operating in its original location since 1924, Giant Dipper is the fourth oldest coaster in the United States and has enthralled more than 68 million riders in the past century.

“I’ve lived here all my life. The Giant Dipper is a rite of passage. You can tell the kids who have been waiting for the day they can take their first ride,” said Kris Reyes, spokesperson for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. “When they get off, it’s all smiles on their faces. I started working here when I was 14, and I’ve been in my professional role with the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, the owners of the Boardwalk, since 2004. Anyone who lives close to the Boardwalk definitely has their very first Giant Dipper memory.”

The wooden coaster, with its classic white structure and deep red running boards, looks stunning for its birthday closeup. The venerable woodie has received its makeover courtesy of Baynum Solutions.

“It is truly special when you think of how many amazing memories must have been made over the past 100 years on this iconic coaster. What a fantastic treat to be a part of this celebration,” Chris Baynum, president, told Amusement Today.

The coaster itself wasn’t the only thing painted. Murals along the Boardwalk entries drew visitors into the occasion, as did celebratory props along the midway. Those who queue up to ride see fun signs and historical throwbacks on the walls on the ramp as well as in the station.

“We try to keep it looking beautiful all the time,” said Reyes. “As anyone knows, caring for a wooden coaster right next to the ocean is a difficult challenge. About two years ago we started planning, organizing and scheduling work to make it look as perfect as we possibly could. We had Baynum out last year and our carpenters did touch up as needed as we went into the season.”

“We had a full lineup of events to celebrate the occasion of the Giant Dipper’s 100th anniversary,” said Reyes. “On May 17, we had a private party with all our friends of the Boardwalk and VIPs. We had a public celebration the day after and gave away buttons. Dollar Dipper Days on Wednesdays are happening throughout the year. And we had a fan art contest. The submissions that have come in have been amazing.”

Lovers of this classic coaster had the chance to demonstrate their artistic talents through August 16. Winners received Dipper swag, MyBoardwalk Cards and Boardwalk ride wristbands.

Specially made Giant Dipper merchandise was created for the milestone.

“That stuff has been flying off the shelves,” Reyes told AT. “We sold out of a lot of items the first weekend. The popularity was much more than we forecasted.”

The Boardwalk is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, which Reyes refers to as peak season. They try to extend the calendar in the spring and fall weekends with special events, such as a clam chowder cookoff.

“In my 20 years, I can’t recall a day when Giant Dipper hasn’t operated,” he said. “We try to have all the rides open on operating days. We take great pride in making sure that ride is running every day we are open, so certainly any major projects surrounding the Dipper will take place outside of our summer season.”

The ride stands 70 feet tall and has a track length of 2,640 feet. On busy days, two trains from Morgan Manufacturing race over its rails. Its elegant fan turn is one of the ride’s most beautiful features.

“The Giant Dipper is the crown jewel and always will be. It’s what we’re known for. We’ll add things over the years, but Giant Dipper will always be our signature attraction and what we’re most proud of. It is beloved by millions of people and the 100th anniversary celebration will have something fun for everyone,” said Reyes. “Whether someone rides the Giant Dipper for the first time or the 100th time this summer, it will be a season of celebration in honor of this legendary wooden roller coaster.”