REVIEW: BONEY ISLAND

OCTOBER 12, 2023

review: BONEY ISLAND

The history of Boney Island and its status as a very unique and highly imaginative Halloween attraction in the LA area goes back years. Originally, it was a haunt hosted in Rick Polizzi’s (three time Primetime Emmy Award winning producer for The Simpsons) front yard, and showcased hundreds of animatronic skeletons located in every place imaginable. As this event grew to something much larger than Polizzi ever expected, the attraction ended like most home haunts do, because of angry neighbors. (Their final night open is etched in SoCal haunt mythology as hundreds of attendees were dramatically chased off by an LAPD helicopter - or so the lore goes at least.)

Polizzi moved the event and his numerous skeletons for one amazing season in Griffith Park alongside the Ghost Train. That was one of our favorite seasons for both events because you could be dancing alongside some mischievous skeletons as the incredible miniature train from the LA Live Steamers whistled by you. Both of these events were shuttered that same year due to some conflict within the Live Steamers enclave - or so the lore goes with this one as well. Fast forward to the pandemic when Polizzi sold tons of his amazing props, seemingly hanging up his haunter hat for good.

This past summer when we saw the announcement that Boney Island would be coming back, we were ecstatic! We were even more excited when we learned that the Boney crew would be inhabiting one of our favorite museums, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Polizzi has really outdone himself, transforming the Natural History Museum’s Nature Gardens into an interactive wonderland of cheeky and creepy skeletons acting out multiple scenes amongst the beautifully illuminated vegetation. As you wander the expansive trails you will run into all kinds of characters and wonder, “How did Polizzi ever do this at his home in the first place?!?!". Enjoy some hot spiced cider (there are a variety of vendors) while you admire Boney Island’s trademark magical pumpkin and cauldron water show hosted by Maestro Maxilla. Costumes are encouraged at this family friendly event!

VC

October 12, 2023

Hauntsofla.com

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