I was the ride operator in 1987, 1987

I worked for the Boardwalk in the late 1980s during the best years of my young life. Santa Cruz was wild and free at the time. It came with adventure and lots and lots of fun experiences. I was living at the Peter Pan hotel across the street and needed a job ASAP and applied. I got the job as a a ride operator for the Carousel. I was stoked to say the least. I didn’t even realize how extraordinary this machinery was until my boss told me the long history of it. I collected so many rings and loaded the ring holder many, many times. I went around in circles at least 10,000x or more on that ride with the guests 😄 long live Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.