Dynamic duos ride coasters, spend time on the beach

Dynamic duos dressed as Mario and Luigi, Spider-Man and Mary Jane, and ketchup and mustard boarded the buses for Sadies, Nov. 9. Excitement filled the air as the food, rides and thrills of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk awaited the 149 students.

The family-operated Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opened up to entertain locals and visitors in 1907 and has run year-round ever since. The boardwalk also holds the title of the oldest amusement park in California and one of the last seaside amusement parks on the west coast of the United States.

The Boardwalk remains a California Historic Landmark and contains various animals around the beach like otters, dolphins, sea lions and even whales swimming offshore. The beach runs along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, according to Beach Boardwalk.

Unique to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks. The Giant Dipper coaster remains a favorite of the campus students attending Sadies.

Enjoyed the Fireball coaster
Brennen Tozlian
Nov. 9, 2019

“Sadies was very fun, I went with Morgan and we were Flo from Progressive and Jake from State Farm. My favorite attraction was the Fireball ride. One memorable thing was that someone threw up on the ride right before us and I had to sit in that same seat after being cleaned and everything. Compared to other Sadies trips, this one was more fun and the weather was super nice.”

In the following podcast, junior Kyler Garza interviews sophomore Avery Walters about his experience at Sadies.

Had unexpected fun on thrill ride
Isabella Hutcheson
Nov. 9, 2019

“Sadies this year was so fun, I loved hanging out with friends outside of school. A memorable moment was riding Fireball 3 times even though I didn’t want to even go on it. My favorite ride though was the Undertow. This was my second Sadies and I loved going to Santa Cruz.”

Appreciates out of town event
Madilyn Foster
Nov. 9, 2019

“I enjoy my very first Sadies, I had the expectation of having a good time and lots of fun. I took a guest, someone who used to come to the school and I go to church with. My favorite ride was the Fireball even though it made me feel sick, it was really fun. I like that Sadies is out of town. I feel like it makes a good get away from school and it’s a lot of fun rides and stuff.  Next year I hope we to Six Flags or another amusement park.”

Looked forward to the Giant Dipper
Callie Lichti
Nov. 9, 2019

“Going into Sadies this year I was mostly looking forward to eating the food at the boardwalk. My favorite ride would have to be the Giant Dipper. My favorite part about Sadies would have to be getting to hangout with my friends all day while getting to experience the park. Me and my date went as Thing 1 and Thing 2.”

Participated in mini golf, Undertow attraction
Ethan Castiglione
Nov. 9, 2019

“I was most looking forward to riding the rides with my date and just spending time with her. We went as Squints and Wendy from The Sandlot. My favorite ride was Undertow because it was fast and there were a lot of drops and my favorite game was mini golf.”

Rode fifth oldest US roller coaster
Avery Walters
Nov. 9, 2019

“My favorite part of Sadies was going on the roller coasters and rides and spending time with friends, it’s was cool seeing the beach right there too. We also rode the fifth oldest rollercoaster (The Giant Dipper) and it was a pretty rough ride. I also really enjoyed the food and the trip on the bus with all my friends.”

Ate fair food, enjoyed time with friends
Angel Ruelas
Nov. 9, 2019

“My favorite part about Sadies was being able to walk around at the boardwalk. I ate clam chowder and had some deep fried Oreos and those were some of favorite things I ate on the trip. It was great, I got to enjoy the company of great friends the entire day. It makes me sad that it’s my last Sadies, but I’m glad because I made some awesome memories.”

Anticipates next year’s Sadies event
Adalyn Richardson
Nov. 9, 2019

“My favorite part of Sadies was getting to spend time with friends and having fun at the boardwalk. I enjoyed seeing the beach and the rides were fun. The overall trip was a lot of fun and I got to experience a lot of new things, I’m glad I went and am looking forward to what they’re going to do next year.”

Explored the pier, spent time with friends
Arundeep Singh
Nov. 9, 2019

“Spending time with my friends was a huge plus of the whole trip. We went and rode the rides and walked around the pier and experienced a lot of what it had to offer. The bus ride was fun there and it was fun on the way back, we got to get off on our way back to eat and it was a fun time to hang around friends.”

Engaged in arcade games, coasters
Mackenzie Beckworth
Nov. 9, 2019

“My favorite part was for sure the arcade & playing Guitar Hero & laser tag; the bus ride was cool too. I was looking forward to going on the Giant Dipper & also having boba there. We got to go on the ride and we also got boba, so mostly everything I wanted to do we did.”

For more articles read, Central Valley residents battle air quality, resist climate change or World Kindness Day: Improve community goodwill, health, personal value, Nov. 13.

Kyler Garza can be reached via email.