There are some elements of Knott’s Scary Farm that are integral to the Scary Farm experience. Scare Zones and mazes are definitely two of these things. A third one is The Hanging. Previously held at the Calico Mine Stage, this show has been offered in the Wagon Camp in recent years. This is a show that has its origins dating back to 1976. Today, the Lawman and the Hangman put public figures and pop culture icons on trial before hanging the biggest offender of the year. On the opening night of Knott’s Scary Farm, Daps Magic was invited to experience all of this year’s offerings by Knott’s Berry Farm.
Once again this year, the Lawman and the Hangman returned to do their job during Knott’s Scary Farm. Also, as is the case in previous years, The Hanging is vulgar and has questionable humor, as it skewers those unlucky enough to be included in its show. This year, along with the raunchy humor, there were also some surprising moments of heart at the end of the show. This was particularly true of a nod given to beloved entertainers Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.
As is the case every year with The Hanging, this show has a definite demographic that it is targeting. This group absolutely loves it and considers it a necessary part of their Halloween celebrations and Scary Farm traditions. In the over a decade that Daps Magic has been covering Scary Farm, this has remained a constant with this show. It has been interesting to see how the fan base has changed. The team discussed this after watching the show on the opening night. While the world has gone through some pretty incredible events, Knott’s Scary Farm and The Hanging have remained mainly the same. It’s still raunchy comedy with cheap laughs that strives to be culturally relevant. This is its appeal for those who return year after year for this Southern California Halloween tradition. For many fans (both new and old) of Knott’s Scary Farm, this is one of the defining offerings.
While thinking about the purpose of The Hanging after attending the opening night of Knott’s Scary Farm, two thoughts came to mind. First off, it is meant to entertain. It knows who its audience is and makes no effort to do anything other than entertain that core group. It also is meant to ignite discussion. Every year, there is something that happens with The Hanging that gets the internet talking. There have been different reasons for these discussions through the years, but it shows time and time again that it can put Knott’s Scary Farm on the map of public consciousness.
Below is a video of the final performance of The Hanging on the opening night of Knott’s Scary Farm. Daps Magic was invited by Knott’s Berry Farm to cover this event. Take a look at this show (and go see it in person; it’s always more fun in person) and then share what you think of The Hanging this year:
What do you think of The Hanging? How many of these have you seen through the years? Which year has been your favorite? What did you like most about this year’s show? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
