SANTA CRUZ >> The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was named the world”s best seaside park for the eighth year running at the 2014 Golden Ticket Awards at SeaWorld San Diego on Saturday.

Amusement Today, an industry trade publication, conducts an international poll annually to determine top performers in 29 categories, covering everything from favorite rides to overall park types. The Boardwalk has snagged top points in the seaside park category since 2007, said park spokeswoman Brigid Fuller.

Asked what the secret to the park”s success is year after year, Fuller said she believes the Boardwalk”s “amazing setting” and overall good condition are significant factors in the continued recognition.

“I think it really helps that the awards were held here last year,” Fuller said. “It kind of helped educate folks who hadn”t been here before.”

While the number of large active seaside parks is limited, Fuller said Santa Cruz has plenty of competition on the East Coast, and even abroad. Europa Park in Rust, Germany took the competition”s best overall amusement park this year.

The Boardwalk”s Looff Carousel also earned a second place award for best carousel, behind the Grand Carousel at Knoebel”s Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.

“We have established our Boardwalk as the quintessential seaside amusement park and our reputation continues to grow,” Boardwalk president Charles Canfield told Boardwalk employees. “I”m very proud of all that we have achieved and I know we will continue to get even better in the years ahead.”