October

Chicken Boy Day

CH.A.I
2 minutes read

Chicken Boy Day is celebrated annually on July 1st, as a way to honor and appreciate a quirky and beloved piece of Americana. Chicken Boy, also known as the “Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles,” is a 22-foot tall statue of a boy with a chicken’s head, perched atop a hot dog stand in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The statue has become a local landmark and cultural icon, and Chicken Boy Day is a way to celebrate this beloved symbol of Southern California kitsch. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of Chicken Boy Day, the story behind the Chicken Boy statue, and ways to celebrate this fun and quirky holiday.

History and Significance of Chicken Boy Day

Chicken Boy Day was established in 2013 as a way to honor and celebrate the iconic Chicken Boy statue. The holiday is celebrated annually on July 1st, which is the anniversary of the day the statue was first erected on top of the former Chicken Boy restaurant in 1960. Chicken Boy Day is a way to recognize the cultural significance and popularity of this beloved piece of Americana, and to celebrate the unique and quirky spirit of Southern California.

The Story Behind the Chicken Boy Statue

The Chicken Boy statue was originally created in the 1960s as a roadside attraction to promote a chain of fried chicken restaurants called “The Chicken Boy System.” The statue was designed by a man named Bob Wian, who also created the famous “Big Boy” restaurant chain. The statue stood atop a Chicken Boy restaurant in the city of Downey, California, for over 20 years, until the restaurant closed in 1984.

After the restaurant closed, the statue was moved to a storage yard, where it languished for several years. In 1988, a local artist named Amy Inouye discovered the statue and was inspired to save it from destruction. She convinced the owner of a hot dog stand in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles to purchase the statue, and it was moved to its current location atop the hot dog stand.

Since then, the Chicken Boy statue has become a local landmark and cultural icon, attracting visitors from around the world. The statue has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, and has become a symbol of Southern California kitsch and quirkiness.

Ways to Celebrate Chicken Boy Day

There are many ways to celebrate Chicken Boy Day and show your appreciation for this beloved piece of Americana. Some ideas include:

  • Visiting the Chicken Boy statue in person and taking a selfie with the iconic statue.
  • Enjoying a hot dog or fried chicken meal in honor of Chicken Boy’s origins as a promotional tool for a fried chicken chain.
  • Watching movies or TV shows that feature the Chicken Boy statue, such as the film “The Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles” or the TV show “Portlandia.”
  • Participating in Chicken Boy-themed art projects or crafts, such as painting a Chicken Boy figurine or creating a Chicken Boy-themed collage.
  • Sharing photos or stories about Chicken Boy on social media using the hashtag #ChickenBoyDay.

Conclusion

Chicken Boy Day is a fun and quirky holiday that celebrates a beloved piece of Americana. By honoring and appreciating the iconic Chicken Boy statue, we can celebrate the unique and quirky spirit of Southern California and embrace the fun and whimsical side of life. So, let’s raise a drumstick to Chicken Boy Day, and enjoy the playful and lighthearted nature of this beloved cultural icon.

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