Santa Cruz Boardwalk celebrates a century of beach-side thrills

THE PRIZE

Boardwalk passes: For those who can’t get enough of the pungent smell of garlic fries and the thrill of roller coasters, two 100-year passes (inheritable) to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are being offered as part of a centennial grand prize. Enter for free by June 29 at www.santacruzca.org.

THE EVENTS

Century celebration: Special free boardwalk events throughout 2007 to mark “100 years and millions of memories” will include:

Salute to the centennial with acrobatic trampoline and high-dive shows, a skydiver show and a concert by Papa Doo Run Run tribute band May 19. Events start at noon.

Birthday fireworks show on the beach at 9 p.m. June 16.

Moscow Circus performances at noon and 3 p.m. Sundays and at noon and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays from July 8 to Aug. 16.

The boardwalk’s traditional free Friday night bands-on-the-beach concerts, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. June 22 through Aug. 31, will feature performers from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, including Herman’s Hermits and the Tubes.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Tickets to ride: Boardwalk admission is free; individual rides are $2.25 to $4.50. The boardwalk boasts two national historic landmarks, the 1924 Giant Dipper and the 1911 Looff Carousel. There are packages that include unlimited rides on all attractions.

The park will be open daily May 25 through Labor Day, Sept. 3. Until May 25, it is partly open on weekdays (some rides are not in operation) and fully open on weekends.

Where it is: The park is at 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. On-site parking is $10. For hours, ticket options and other information: (831) 423-5590, www.beachboardwalk.com.