Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention, please. Presenting the one and only George the Giant and his Strange Museum of Oddities and Wonders. Go on and read more for a glimpse into an astounding experience.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, George “The Giant” Mc Arthur stands at seven feet three inches and has traveled the US performing sword swallowing, piercing his face with hooks, and even fire-breathing acts.
“I have always been amazed by side shows since I was a kid,” said George.
This attraction rolls into Bakersfield once a year, every weekend in October, Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. and weekends 2 to 10 p.m., and has the most unusual exhibits and oddities one may ever see West of the Mississippi.
See the “Alligator Boy.” Rest your eyes on “The Strange Thing.” Meet “Sarah Ann,” a local doll with an unexplainable phenomenon that happens to this day. The mysteries and stories surrounding the exhibits and artifacts must be given the time to read and observe to understand their significance fully.
This year, George has a chilling new exhibit. John Wayne Gacy’s original painting, “Pogo the Clown,” is exclusively on display.
“There is a depth of heaviness, a strong aura you can feel,” said George. “You know who drew this and the magnitude of his crimes. So, there is a looming feeling of dread and awe intermingling that even gives me the chills.”
Afterward, step right over to gaze upon the original Barnum’s Fiji Mermaid attraction: Haunted Artifacts, including paintings made with real blood with interesting background stories.
Brandi Lynch, George’s adoptive sister, is at the helm of the gift shop and a personal collector herself. Lynch’s spookiest encounter at George’s Museum was with the main attraction, Donny the puppet.
“He [Donny] disappeared for a few months from his enclosed storage case and was not found until a few days before this year’s show,” Lynch said. “His case was very secure. Who knows how he got out and where he went.”
Donny is present at the museum and waiting to say hello.
George’s brother, Terrance Mc Arthur, is an artist of lint art and stick figures at the museum.
“I have been helping George since the attraction opened in 2018 at the Fox Theatre. We don’t charge much, honestly. This museum is a passion, an art, and love that we want to share with everybody,” said Mc Arthur.
Always at his brother’s side, his support is very important to George and the show.
“Seven dollars is a small fee to pay for an admission ticket. I guarantee your money’s worth. I aim more to astound people, pique their curiosity with my exhibits, to keep the spirit of side shows alive in current times,” said George.
