On September 1st, National Chicken Boy Day honors the birthday of an interesting statue in California. Celebrate his ceremonial birthday and learn more about this unique creation.
Chicken Boy stands 22 feet tall and holds a bucket of chicken. The fiberglass statue of a boy with a chicken head can be seen along Route 66. He is named after the former 1960s Chicken Boy Restaurant. Also known as the “Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles,” he joins other notable food characters, such as Big Boy and Ronald McDonald.
The iconic statue remained in place at the restaurant until the owner died in 1984. At that time, Chicken Boy was given to Los Angeles art director, Amy Inouye. For a time, the statue remained cooped up in storage. However, over 20 years later Chicken Boy flew the coop. He now graces the property of Inouye’s design firm. The entire community came together to make the restoration of Chicken Boy possible, too. His restoration and display are partly due to the catalog of items Inouye offered for purchase Chicken Boy-themed items for fans to enjoy.
In 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized the famous Chicken Boy statue along historic U.S. Route 66 with the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award.
The feathered boy not only attracts visitors, but he also has a documentary and a polka song named after him. In addition, he and Inouye have also received several awards.
HOW TO OBSERVE #ChickenBoyDay
Wing it! Or wish Chicken Boy a Happy Birthday. We also suggest a few other activities to enhance your celebration.
You can also watch Chicken Boy: The Movie directed by Tom Dusenberry.
Dance to “The Chicken Boy Polka” by Those Darn Accordions.
If you do any of these, share a photo or video using #ChickenBoyDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CHICKEN BOY DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar has been unable to identify the founder of the day. However, the celebration does commemorate the statue’s birthday.
Chicken Boy FAQ
Q. Are there other statues along Route 66? A. Yes! Muffler Man, Paul Bunyan, Cadillac Ranch, and many more!
Q. What is the world’s largest spider sculpture? A. Jamberoo Action Park in New South Wales, Australia is home to the largest spider sculpture. It measures 64 feet 7.59 inches in tall. The spider is part of the Funnel Web Slide in the water park.
Q. Where can you visit large outdoor roadside sculpture displays? A. Outdoor sculptures are a popular roadside attraction. Here are some of the largest in the United States:
The Enchanted Highway in Regent, North Dakota features giant grasshoppers, a pheasant family, an underwater river scene, and a giant dragon and knight all created by artist Gary Greff.
The Kaleva Centennial Sculpture Walkway in Kaleva, Michigan boasts a giant grasshopper, too. It also features a Vainamoinen Ship and a sparkling sculptured tree.
Artist Linda Bakke created the world’s second-largest moose sculpture. Entitle The Big Elk (that’s what moose are called in Europe) is located Stor-Evdal, Hedmark, Norway near the village of Atna.
In a tribute to the Choctaw Nation, artist Alex Pentek created Kindred Spirits, a large circle of feathers. The large stainless steel sculpture is located in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland, and honors the contributions of the Choctaw Nation during the Great Famine.
60° and Clear
