Oceanfront Fireworks at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster is celebrating its 100th anniversary on May 18, 2024.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has announced a summer of celebration in honor of the Giant Dipper’s 100th anniversary. This summer the Boardwalk will celebrate the legendary wooden roller coaster with oceanfront fireworks on the Dipper’s birthday weekend, exclusive limited-edition Giant Dipper merchandise, and rides on the iconic coaster for only $1 on select days.

The celebration begins with a public ceremony in front of the Giant Dipper on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 am. Guests who ride the Dipper on this day will receive a commemorative 100th anniversary Giant Dipper button while supplies last. That evening, fireworks will illuminate the sky above the Boardwalk starting at 9:00 pm.

A ride on the Giant Dipper will only cost $1 on Dipper Days every Wednesday starting May 29 thru August 7. Lovers of this classic coaster will have the chance to demonstrate their artistic talents with a Giant Dipper 100th fan art contest. Entries can be submitted between May 17 thru August 16. Winners will receive Dipper swag, MyBoardwalk Cards and Boardwalk Ride Wristbands.

The Boardwalk will celebrate National Roller Coaster Day on Saturday, August 17 and the first 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk souvenir cup. Unique Giant Dipper 100th anniversary merchandise including custom Coaster Dot apparel, Christmas ornaments, bags, mugs, keychains, and so much more will be available at select Boardwalk retail locations.

For all the details about the Giant Dipper 100th anniversary celebration visit https://beachboardwalk.com/giant-dipper-100th-anniversary.

Built by Arthur Loof in 1924, the 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, the Giant Dipper is the fourth oldest coaster in the United States, one of the top ten oldest in the world and has thrilled over 68 million rides thus far.

Read more at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.