Marking Giant Dipper Centennial

Floor Speech

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Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, today is the 100th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's iconic roller coaster, the Giant Dipper.

This amazing roller coaster opened on this day in 1924 and took only 47 days to construct, making it the fourth oldest roller coaster in the United States and one of the 10 oldest roller coasters in the world.

Despite its age, it still packs a punch. Starting off by racing through a pitch-black mine shaft of a tunnel, then popping outside and clinking and clacking up a steep incline. After reaching its peak point, the coaster plunges straight down and provides a ride that races up and down its wooden brace tracks, lifting you up and down out of your seats.

Just like any good roller coaster, it is a ride that can turn your stomach. No matter how you feel, the Giant Dipper is exhilarating. It is exciting, and it is just plain fun.

It is no wonder that more than 68 million people have taken this thrill ride. It is no wonder that the Giant Dipper is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Happy 100th birthday to this famed roller coaster, and congratulations to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I honor the Giant Dipper for providing a fun and exciting ride that has provided generations of families with fun and fulfilling memories.

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