 Last weekend we made our first visit to the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys. Being that I was raised in the western San Fernando Valley I had this museum on my radar for quite a few years, and it finally worked out that I was in the area with no other plans (for a change). My only regret, that it took me this long to visit! The museum is $15 for admission and is well worth it. It triggered so many memories of growing up and even some things I only vaguely remember. I even enjoyed seeing memorabilia from the things I don't remember, like Busch Gardens Van Nuys. I did visit as a VERY young child, but I don't actually remember it. I'm not THAT old. =) You can find out more about the Valley Relics museum here, and I highly recommend a visit. As you'll see below, it's truly fantastic.  The museum is located just outside of the Van Nuys airport, and is very easy to find.  After paying your $15 and checking out the shop, you are greeted by pop-culture nostalgia at every corner.  Anybody else remember when BMX started, and how absolutely huge it was? I sure do.  It seemed like overnight I went from riding my CHiPs Big Wheel, to my first BMX. I remember my bike being my transportation through my entire childhood, and it was amazing.  Being from the valley, we VERY RARELY were able to get KNAC on our radio.  KLOS was our "rock" channel mostly out of necessity as even KROQ never really came through very clear in the west valley.    The Country Club was where I saw my first ever concert, Testament! According to Concert Archives, it was October 6, 1989. It's amazing what you can find on the internet! Check out the Pirate Radio sticker on that guitar!! Definitely remember that.  We didn't do rodeo stuff, but I do remember KLAC!  Anybody else remember these guys?  Yes, all of these games work!!! WHAT!?!?! There's more on the other side of this wall but I guess I didn't get a pic. Next time! Retro SIgns One of the highlights of the museum are all of the amazing retro and neon signs from former businesses in the valley. Mmm, Thrifty Ice Cream and Henry's Tacos!  We used to live less than a mile from the Canoga Park Bowl. They had the best French Fries. Why is it bowling alley's and Mexican Restaurants have the best fries?  DeSoto Pharmacy!! Shout out to my DeSoto Gardens peeps!!!  I still remember trying to eat the entire Lumberjack at Mel's. I don't think I ever did.  The Sherman Room was before my time as an adult, but I think the boomers loved it.  Mmmm, Pioneer Chicken!  I remember this being the best bakery!  “ All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine.”   I remember Norm's when it was right off Vanowen/Tampa, I think they still have a location on Ventura Blvd.  This sign looks familiar, but I can't place where it was located. Anybody? Also, look at those gas prices!!  Ahh, Northridge Skateland. So many memories.  The Candy Cat was kitty-corner to Canoga Park Bowl (pun intended). Never got to check that place out either. =)  So many nights at the Cobalt Café watching friends bands play, I think one of my old bands may have played there too.  Another sign I remember, but can't remember where the shoe repair actually was.  Everybody always had that one restaurant their grandparents would take them to when they'd come to visit, for my grandparents it was Love's. Classic Food There's also some very nostalgic stuff like Ronald McDonald, Bob and more.  So MANY ashtrays!  There used to be toys for EVERYTHING!  And lunchboxes for everything!  Everybody knew somebody who sold Magic Chef. Is that even still a thing?  And of course Sambo's. Thankfully the last location that was in Santa Barbara finally changed their name. But it's still interesting to look back on all of this stuff.  SO MANY LUNCHBOXES!!   More Bob's Big Boy, OG Taco Bell and OMG Naugles (which are now mostly Del Taco's)!! I think I see a Pup N' Taco down there too. Busch Gardens Van Nuys But of course, if you're a fan of this site you're probably most interested in the Busch Gardens Van Nuys stuff!  Basically this was attached to the Budweiser Brewery next to the 405 Freeway.  The park opened in 1966 and closed in 1979 due to brewery expansion.  There is a picture of me somewhere in this house of me on the monorail and the log flume. Next time we move I'll see if I can find it. =)   A close up of the map, I believe that's Woodley Ave. on the far right hand side of the photograph with the monorail crossing over the Railroad tracks (the bridge that the monorail used to cross the tracks is still there today). I also think the picture is kind of upside down. =)  The animal exhibits at the Van Nuys park concentrated mostly on a bird sanctuary.  At one time (before Busch Gardens: The Old Country opened in 1975) there was only Busch Gardens Los Angeles and Tampa.   Universal Monsters If you're a fan of this site, you're likely aware that Universal Studios is in the San Fernando Valley as well.  Some really great Universal Monsters memorabilia is on display. 
  Aviation It's hard to remember a time when Aviation was such a big part of the valley, but it really wasn't that long ago.  Films like The Rocketeer and The Aviator really do a good job of showing the aviation history of the area.   I think the first time I ever flew on a plane, it was PSA. With that smiling plane.        And we'll leave you with a bit of this amazing map. You can even see things like Lockheed Airport, which I believe is now BUR airport, Disney Studios, Warner Brothers and more. I wish I'd taken some more close up pics of this one. Next time for sure! Related Updates
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Guests to the World’s Biggest Halloween and Horror Fan Convention Get Sneak Peeks at What’s Coming from Universal Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, 13th Floor, Winchester Mystery House and More  LONG BEACH, Calif. (June 9, 2023) – It’s never too soon to be scared, and guests to Midsummer Scream, the world’s biggest Halloween and horror convention, will be able to see what’s going to frighten them most this Halloween season as the West Coast’s biggest haunts all come together at the Long Beach Convention Center to show off what they’ve got in store. Only at Midsummer Scream will Halloween lovers be able to get a first look at plans for Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Halloween Horror Nights”; the 50th anniversary of Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm; Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, which marks its 30th year; the 100th anniversary of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose; and attractions from 13th Floor Entertainment, including Delusion, Shaqtoberfest and L.A. Haunted Hayride. There will also be a special “Hot Haunts for Halloween” panel, hosted by Midsummer Scream’s Creative Director and Co-Founder Rick West, that brings together some of the best of the grass-roots community of talented haunters — home haunters, local attractions, and traditions that are, in many ways, the inspiration for the largest of the haunts. “Haunted attractions of every type and size are at the very core of what Midsummer Scream is all about, from the most elaborate to the most handmade, whether family friendly or truly extreme,” West said. “Midsummer Scream fans love to discover what’s new and exciting for the Halloween season ahead, and it’s incredibly exciting to be able to bring all of these attractions together to begin a countdown to the best night of the year.” Panel presentations featuring the creative teams and visionaries behind each of the haunted attractions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30. The panel schedule (which is always subject to change) is: SATURDAY, JULY 29
SUNDAY, JULY 30
All Midsummer Scream passes provide access to these special panels. Guests will also get to experience an enormous range of frightfully fun and eerily irresistible entertainment throughout the three days, which are expected to attract more than 40,000 fans to the Long Beach Convention Center. The centerpiece of Midsummer Scream is Hall of Shadows, a massive dark zone featuring a stunning array of haunted attractions, interactive photo ops, and live entertainment as creatures lurk and screams flow from the swirling fog. Additional highlights of Midsummer Scream include The Screaming Room, presented by Horror Buzz, a curated short-film festival of terror-filled submissions from around the world, screened throughout the weekend; Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Patch, a gore- and scare-free zone for the “little monsters” who visit Midsummer Scream; and Black Cat Lounge, a unique way to take a break from the action of the weekend by cuddling with adorable feline friends, all available for adoption. Throughout the three days, a massive show floor filled with more than 350 vendors — specializing in ghoulishly delightful products and collectibles — is open to all guests. In addition to attractions, events and experiences throughout the weekend, Midsummer Scream also hosts “Midsummer Scream After Dark,” its special Saturday-night party. Attendance at “Midsummer Scream After Dark” requires a separate, nominal fee for general admission passholders, and is included with the Gold Bat Pass Package. Single-day passes to Midsummer Scream, now in its sixth year, range from $35 for adult admission to $140 for a three-day VIP “Gold Bat” pass. Children under 10 are free with an accompanying adult. More information on passes to Midsummer Scream, plus full details on the show schedule and area accommodations, can be found at www.MidsummerScream.org. About Midsummer Scream Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror community as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun! Related Videos
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With Theme of ‘Dungeons & Demons’, Renowned Dark Zone Features More Haunted Attractions, Photo Ops and Entertainment Than Ever Before  LONG BEACH, CA — When Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, returns to the Long Beach Convention Center from July 28 to 30, its centerpiece will be the Hall of Shadows, a massive dark zone that features a stunning array of haunted attractions, interactive photo ops, and live entertainment as creatures lurk and screams flow from the swirling fog. All passes for Midsummer Scream include admission to every attraction within the Hall of Shadows, which for the first time ever, will be open to guests all three days of the fan convention: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One- and three-day passes to Midsummer Scream are available now at www.MidsummerScream.org. Additionally, guests holding the Gold Bat VIP pass will receive “fast lane” access to most attractions within the Hall of Shadows, bypassing general admission standby queues. “As we celebrate horror games of all types this year at Midsummer Scream, the theme of this year’s Hall of Shadows is ‘Dungeons & Demons,’ which pays homage to the OG ‘monster’ game that we all grew up with and still love to this day: Dungeons & Dragons,” says Rick West, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Midsummer Scream. “We’ve invited our haunters this year to let their imaginations run wild, and where possible, to incorporate some kind of gamification or interactive element into their Hall of Shadows creations. Everyone is excited and hard at work to bring fans the most epic Hall of Shadows yet!” Guests will enter this year’s Hall of Shadows through ancient ruins filled with traps, treasure, and classic D&D monsters, thanks to the talent of the always amazing CalHauntS team. Roll for initiative and step lively into the darkness ahead — guests who linger too long are in danger of becoming a permanent fixture of this ancient dungeon!  Emerging into the foggy expanse of the Hall of Shadows, guests are free to explore and engage more than a dozen spooky attractions, elaborate displays, and frightening photo ops at will, created by some of the best haunters in Southern California… and beyond. Among them:
In addition, the Decayed Brigade will present three shows daily both Saturday and Sunday on their massive Hall of Shadows “runway,” as they thrill hundreds of onlookers with high-energy sliding maneuvers and pulse-pounding stunts in a slider exhibition like none other! All of that and more will be waiting in the darkness of the Hall of Shadows for fans when the doors to Midsummer Scream 2023 creak open the evening of Friday, July 28, in Long Beach. To receive breaking information about Midsummer Scream, fans can sign up for a digital newsletter at MidsummerScream.org or follow Midsummer Scream on Instagram and Facebook by searching @midsummerscream. About Midsummer Scream Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror community as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun! Related Videos
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