SANTA CRUZ, CA (September 5, 2007) – The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was named “Best Seaside Amusement Park” during the 2007 Golden Ticket Awards at Dollywood Theme Park in Tennessee today. The Golden Tickets are the most prestigious awards in the amusement industry. Winners were selected by amusement park enthusiasts around the world in a poll conducted by Amusement Today, an amusement industry trade publication.

This is the first year the Golden Tickets have included a “Seaside Amusement Park” category, and the first time the Santa Cruz Boardwalk has won a Golden Ticket. "We're very honored to be recognized as the world's Best Seaside Amusement Park,” said Charles Canfield, president of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Seaside Company. “The award is really a great tribute to all of our dedicated employees, past and present, especially during our centennial year."

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk received a whopping 49% of the votes. Runners up in the “Best Seaside Amusement Park” category included Pleasure Beach Blackpool in England with 21%, and Morey's Piers in New Jersey with 12%.

The award ceremony at Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge Tennessee was attended by Santa Cruz Seaside Company representatives Tom Canfield, vice president of operations, and Kris Reyes, community relations director.

In the 1920s there were more than 1,500 authentic waterfront (seaside or pier) amusement parks in the United States, today there are just 24 according to Park World, an amusement industry journal. Nine seaside parks have closed since 2004 alone, including Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, which closed in 2006. Most of Coney Island's attractions closed September 3, 2007, to make way for development.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the last of the great seaside amusement parks remaining in the United States; the park celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. The entire amusement park is designated as a California Historic Landmark and is also home to two National Historic Landmarks: The 1911 Looff Carousel and the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster.

About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Celebrates “100 Years and Millions of Memories” in 2007. California’s only major seaside amusement park is admission-free and features thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling, all located on a mile-long sandy beach. 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; 831-423-5590; beachboardwalk.com

For general information, call (831) 426-7433 or (831) 423-5590, or visit www.beachboardwalk.com

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