It is official, Zamora the Torture King will NOT be at Knott's Halloween Haunt this year; in fact, they have cut ALL the shows except for the big 2, The Hanging and Elvira's show at The Charles Schultz Theater.
The Los Angeles Times reported “Haunt has severely pared back its show offerings... with only the perennial pop culture evisceration of “The Hanging” and the campy song and dance of “Elvira’s Big Top" returning for 2014." (emphasis added) Los Angeles Times Aug. 7, 2014 “Knott's Unveils...”
Zamora first showed up at Knott's Scary Farm way back in 1996, appearing on a very small stage set up on the streets of “Camp Spooky,” or The Gauntlet Scare Zone as it was called during the haunt. He did not expect to be a part of Haunt for more than a few years but they hired him back, year after year, until he became a Knott's Halloween Haunt tradition.
Zamora's 17 seasons in a row are the longest run of shows of any entertainer at The Haunt ever. This was confirmed by Ted Dougherty, author of the definitive book, Knott's Halloween Haunt: A Picture History. In a recent email he confirmed that Zamora's 17 year successive run beats even Haunt mainstay Elvira, saying “...if your records show you were at Knott's 17 consecutive seasons, you definitely have Elvira beat..” and “...I think you're safe in making a statement on your website as 'Performer with the longest uninterrupted run of years for a stage attraction at Knott's Scary Farm.'"
Zamora's 17 seasons in a row are the longest run of shows of any entertainer at The Haunt ever. This was confirmed by Ted Dougherty, author of the definitive book, Knott's Halloween Haunt: A Picture History. In a recent email he confirmed that Zamora's 17 year successive run beats even Haunt mainstay Elvira, saying “...if your records show you were at Knott's 17 consecutive seasons, you definitely have Elvira beat..” and “...I think you're safe in making a statement on your website as 'Performer with the longest uninterrupted run of years for a stage attraction at Knott's Scary Farm.'"
In those 17 years Zamora performing on almost every stage at Knott's. It was a good run and fun time. This leaves Zamora open for bookings at other venues and events for the Halloween season. It would be good to be back at Knott's, so if you would like to see the return of Zamora, or any of the other performers and shows that have been a part of the Haunt, a good way to let them know is to post on The Haunt's official Facebook page... but please post nicely and politely. This is the best way to let Knott's know that you like the traditions that made Knott's Halloween Haunt what it is, the first and the biggest Halloween scream park in the world. The Knott's Halloween Haunt Facebook page is
https://www.facebook.com/KnottsScaryFarm
What follows is a listing of all of the shows and stages that Zamora has done at Knott's over the years, all recreated by searching email and Internet archives. The list will be improved, with attention to official show names and other details, and updated. Interspersed in the list are photos links and videos relating to the show by year. Every effort is made to credit the photos to the photographers. If you have any details or photos to add please send them Zamora at ZamoraKing@aol.com .
1996: Gauntlet Streets w/ co-performer The Impervious Aziza (Year 1)
 |
| From James Taylor's Shocked and Amazed |
1997: Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Animal Stage w/ co-performer contortionist Nancy Luna (Year 2)
Higley, Doug Higley, Nancy Luna and Zamora TK
1998: Gauntlet Streets w/ co-performer Rubber Boy. (Year 3)
1999: Festival of Freaks Gauntlet Streets w/ co-performer Rubber Boy (Year 4)
Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings Photography Oct. 31, 1999
2000: The Bird Cage Theater w/ co-performer Rubber Boy (Year 5)
Knott's feral cat backstage at The Birdcage Theater
2001: Boardwalk Ballroom w/ co-performer George the Giant (Year 6)
2002: Zamora's Sideshow of the Bizarre at The Wagon Camp Stage and The Boardwalk Ballroom with co-performer Zandrini (George the Giant) and Morgana (little person assistant). (Year 7)
2003: Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Outdoor Theater w/ co-performer Miss Electra (Year 8)
2004: Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Outdoor Theater w/ co-performer Miss Electra (Year 9)
2005: Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Outdoor Theater w/ co-performer Miss Electra (Year 10)
Photo by Brent Turner
2006: Zamora’s Sideshow of The Bizarre Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Outdoor Theater w/ co-performer Miss Electra (Year 11)
Click to see Sideshow World's Coverage of Zamora at Knott's 2007
2007: Zamora's Sideshow of the Bizarre Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Outdoor Theater w/ co-performer Miss Electra (Year 12)
2008: Zamora's Sideshow of the Bizarre Gauntlet Camp Snoopy Outdoor Theater w/ co-performer Miss Electra (Year 13)
2009: Zamora’s Sideshow of the Bizarre at The Cloud Nine Theater w/ co-performer Kitty Karloff (Year 14)
Photo from Theme Park Review
2010: Zamora's Sideshow of the Bizarre Outside on small stage near The Perilous Plunge assisted by Cheyenne (Year 15)
2011: Zamora’s Sideshow of The Bizarre (“Zamora’s Sideshow of Horrors”?) at The Cloud Nine Theater w/ co-performer Kitty Karloff (Year 16)
2012: Zamora’s Sideshow of Torture at The Birdcage Theater w/ Dr. Odd (Mike Odd) (Year 17)
Tim Cridland / Zamora TK
Help support live entertainment and help keep the Zamora on the road and entertaining people. If you have seen Zamora's show and would like to through a something into the virtual tip jar, make a donation of your choosing with the button below.
