The Giant Dipper

SLUG: Giant Dipper
Story Type: VO/SOT
Reporter: Marisa Kendall
Date: 3/16/2009
Page 1



At the beginning of March, the weather is beginning to warm up and tourists and locals alike have just started flocking to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. Without the massive crowds that descend on the boardwalk during the summer, the beach, rides, games and food stands have a friendly, inviting atmosphere, especially to those who remember visiting as children long ago. One ride in particular stands out in most people’s minds.

(SOT) My introduction in front of roller coaster

The Giant Dipper roller coaster has provided joy during the Roaring Twenties, solace during the Great Depression and an escape throughout both World Wars. Built in 1924, the red and white track stretches seventy feet tall and is a classic fixture of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is the seventh-oldest roller coaster still operating in the United States. However…the Giant Dipper continues to provide modern-day thrills to roller coaster enthusiasts.

(SOT) kids screaming on roller coaster

The ride reaches speeds of fifty-five miles per hour, which makes it faster than many newer coasters…including “Top Gun” at Paramount’s Great America in the San Francisco Bay Area.


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