Chicken Boy Day: A Celebration of Quirkiness

Chicken Boy Day is a whimsical holiday that honors the iconic Chicken Boy statue, often referred to as the “Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles.” This 22-foot-tall fiberglass figure, with a chicken head and a bucket of fried chicken in hand, has become a beloved symbol of Americana and roadside attractions. Observed annually on September 1, the day celebrates creativity, nostalgia, and the preservation of quirky landmarks.

Quick Facts

• When is it? September 1
• Tagged as: Americana, roadside attractions, kitsch culture
• What’s the hashtag? #ChickenBoyDay
• When was it founded? 2007
• Who founded it? Amy Inouye

History of Chicken Boy Day

The Chicken Boy statue was originally created in the 1960s as a mascot for a fried chicken restaurant along Route 66 in Los Angeles. After the restaurant closed in 1984, the statue faced an uncertain future until artist Amy Inouye rescued it from storage in 2007. She restored and relocated it to her design studio in Highland Park, where it now stands as a testament to LA’s quirky culture. Chicken Boy Day was established to celebrate this unique landmark and its fascinating history.

Timeline

• 1960s: Chicken Boy restaurant launches with the statue as its mascot.
• 1984: The restaurant closes; Chicken Boy goes into storage.
• 2007: Amy Inouye restores and reinstalls Chicken Boy on her studio.
• 2010: Chicken Boy receives the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award.
• 2025: Chicken Boy continues to delight locals and tourists alike.

Chicken Boy Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 1	Monday
2026	September 1	Tuesday
2027	September 1	Wednesday
2028	September 1	Friday
2029	September 1	Saturday
2030	September 1	Sunday

Observed: Chicken Boy Day

Chicken Boy Day is observed with creativity and fun.

1. Visiting the Statue: Many people visit Highland Park to take photos with the iconic statue.
2. Chicken-Themed Parties: Celebrations often include fried chicken feasts, games, and decorations inspired by Chicken Boy.
3. Artistic Expressions: Fans create their own interpretations of Chicken Boy through art projects, costumes, or sculptures.

Fun Facts About Chicken Boy Day

• The statue was made by the same company responsible for Paul Bunyan and Muffler Men statues.
• It is affectionately called “The Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles.”
• Chicken Boy has been featured in movies and TV shows.

Quiz

1. What year was Chicken Boy Day officially founded?
   • (Answer: 2007)
2. Where is the Chicken Boy statue located?
   • (Answer: Highland Park, Los Angeles)
3. What material is the statue made of?
   • (Answer: Fiberglass)
4. How tall is Chicken Boy?
   • (Answer: 22 feet)
5. What award did Chicken Boy receive in 2010?
   • (Answer: Governor’s Historic Preservation Award)

FAQs

• What is Chicken Boy Day?
  Chicken Boy Day celebrates a quirky roadside attraction—a giant chicken-headed boy statue in Los Angeles.
• Why is it called “The Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles”?
  Its size and cultural significance have earned it this nickname.
• Who saved the statue from storage?
  Artist Amy Inouye rescued and restored it.
• Can I visit the statue today?
  Yes, it stands proudly at Future Studio in Highland Park.
• Why is fried chicken associated with this day?
  The statue originally advertised a fried chicken restaurant.

Importance of Chicken Boy Day

1. Preserving Americana: The day highlights efforts to save unique roadside attractions that reflect American culture.
2. Encouraging Creativity: It inspires people to embrace eccentricity through art and storytelling.
3. Promoting Community Spirit: Celebrations bring people together to honor local landmarks and history.

Related

• Route 66 roadside attractions
• Muffler Men statues
• Paul Bunyan landmarks