There is a merry-go-round at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk that I have known my whole life. I was born in Salinas, CA and, though I didn’t grow up there, I do remember many trips to the boardwalk throughout the years. I mainly remember that the boardwalk sold the absolute BEST deep fried artichokes and that colorful — very loud — carousel.

At every stage of my youth and teenage years, I dimly recall visits to that crowded boardwalk to gorge on artichokes and ride the wooden horses. This merry-go-round has a metal ring dispenser that allows riders to snag a ring and try to get it into the ugly clown’s mouth as the world swirls around in dizzying lights and sounds.

When I was younger, I’d watch my dad try to get the hideous clown’s eyes to light up. As I got older, I’d watch my cousins but I was too mortifyingly timid to try it. I would get preemptively embarrassed at the thought of not being able to get the ring out of the dispenser — let alone into the repugnant clown’s tiny round mouth.

It had been years and years since I had been back in the area when we visited late last year. Damn it, I had to try! We stood in line and claimed our outer horses as soon as the attendant opened the squeaky metal gate. The organ music blasted as the horses were pumped up and down by the metal cranks above our heads and we began our cacophonous rounds.

I spied the dispenser and with the focus of an eagle catching its prey, I grabbed the ring with satisfying snap and immediately swung my arm back for the throw. I heard the clank and saw the eyes light up on my very first fucking try!

I got off that ride and swore I would never ride it again because how could I ever beat that?!

A few weeks ago, talking to my sweet friend, Erika, she mentioned she was going to Santa Cruz. Shocked, I told her I was going to be there too! “Let’s meet at the merry-go-round.” she said!

We did!

I didn’t get the ring into the clown’s mouth this time. I even missed catching the ring a couple of times but I didn’t give damn. I haven’t seen Erika in over two years and we both happened to fly across the country at the same time to the same place, less than 2 miles apart. It was amazing!

The deep fried artichokes weren’t bad either!