Happy New Year from the Boardwalk! Can you believe January is almost over? While most of us are still trying to stick to our “eat more veggies” and “hit the gym” resolutions, our favorite feathered friend, Splash the Pelican, has set some truly epic goals for 2026. And trust us—these aren’t your average resolutions. Here’s what Splash has on his list:
1. Ride the Carousel 115 Times
Why 115? Because the Boardwalk’s beloved Looff Carousel is turning 115 years old this year! Splash wants to honor this piece of history in the most fun way possible—by riding it once for every year it’s been spinning. “The Carousel is a Boardwalk legend. If it’s celebrating 115 years, I’m celebrating with 115 rides! Plus, I look great on a horse.” Keep and eye out this year when you visit the Boardwalk and you may just see Splash enjoying a leisurely ride on one of the chariots on the oldest ride at the Boardwalk. Who else plans to mark this ride’s milestone with a ride or two or more?
2. Chowder Connoisseur Extraordinaire
Splash loves food (especially seafood), and what better way to celebrate local flavor than by diving into one of the Boardwalk’s most popular events? The annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off is a Boardwalk tradition, and Splash is ready to taste-test his way through the two-day event. Creamy New England? Zesty Manhattan? Splash plans to sample them all and maybe even crown his personal favorite. Stay tuned next month as Splash returns to the blog to tell us all about the start of his new foodie adventures.
3. Captain Splash Takes the Helm
Splash has always admired the Chardonnay sailboat gliding across Monterey Bay. This year, he’s determined to take the helm and feel the ocean breeze like a true captain. It’s all about adventure and trying something new; “Pelicans were born for the water—why not the captain’s chair too? I want to see the Boardwalk from the sea!”
4. Midway Game Showdown
Splash loves a little friendly competition, and nothing says Boardwalk fun like a game of Ring Toss, 3-Point Pro, Milk Bottles, or really any of our enticing midway games. He’s challenging Mav’Riks! the Santa Cruz Warrior’s sea turtle, and any other local mascots who will accept, to a Midway Game Challenge to see who’s got the best skills. Watch out, Splash is coming for that high score!
Follow Splash’s Journey
From carousel spins to chowder sips, Splash’s resolutions are all about fun, community, and making unforgettable memories. Follow our social channels for updates, photos, and maybe even some behind-the-scenes mascot rivalry.
Anyone else have any Boardwalk resolutions they want to tackle this year? Here’s to a year of big goals and even bigger laughs—Happy 2026 from Splash and the Boardwalk crew!
