Uncover the Spooktacular Secrets of Fairbrook Manor: Long Beach's Halloween Wonderland!

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, a hidden gem in East Long Beach transforms into a spine-chilling spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. Welcome to Fairbrook Manor, a hauntingly enchanting attraction that springs to life each Halloween, thanks to the tireless dedication of Robert Duck, his family, and a talented troupe of local drama students.

The Haunted Creation: A Year-Round Passion

While most people are busy planning their summer vacations, Robert is already thinking about Halloween. The setup for Fairbrook Manor officially kicks off every September, but Robert’s commitment starts long before then. His journey begins with estate sales in March and a continuous effort to curate the most delightfully terrifying decorations.

A Tale of Grief and Terror

What began as a simple pandemic project has evolved into a beloved community attraction, welcoming hundreds of visitors each year. At the entrance of the maze, guests are greeted by a chilling story crafted by Robert himself—an eerie tale of a 1900s Long Beach widow who resorts to kidnapping local children, driven by her grief over the loss of her husband and two sons.

Meet the Actors: Local Stars in the Making

In its fifth year, Fairbrook Manor features an impressive cast of 21 volunteer actors, ranging from elementary school to high school students. These young performers bring the haunted house to life in unique ways:

• A middle school girl who delights in scaring visitors with a mason jar full of homemade edible fake blood.
• A returning high school junior who travels from Moreno Valley each Halloween to take part in the haunting festivities.
• Robert's 11-year-old son, Xander, who proudly plays a scarecrow slayer, wielding a head on a spear to frighten guests.

Enthralling Experiences: What to Expect

This year’s maze showcases a variety of spine-tingling scenes, including:

1. A haunting parlor filled with ghostly decor.
2. A dining room that tells tales of the past.
3. A playroom stocked with eerie dolls from estate sales.
4. A garden that whispers secrets of the night.
5. The newly added Fairbrook Farm, home to mutated creatures.

Actors prepare for their roles an hour before opening, complete with makeup and camaraderie in the Duck family’s backyard, snacking and bonding over a game of ping-pong.

Chilling Community Spirit

Entry to Fairbrook Manor is free, but guests are encouraged to donate $5 or bring canned goods and hygiene items for the Long Beach Rescue Mission, which supports those in need. Last year, the effort raised over $6,000 and filled seven donation bins, showcasing the community's spirit.

Event Details

Fairbrook Manor will be open for scares from October 25th to 27th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with a special scare-free daytime tour on Sunday from noon to 3 PM. On Halloween night, the maze remains open without actors, and donation bins will be available until November 5th.

The Future of Fairbrook Manor

As Halloween wraps up, Robert Duck will shift gears to prepare for Christmas, but his love for Halloween remains unmatched. His wife, Kathy, shares that while Robert may prefer Christmas, Halloween holds a special place in his heart.

What do you think?

• Do you believe Halloween decorations should be displayed year-round?
• Should haunted houses like Fairbrook Manor be more widely supported by local governments?
• Is the blend of horror and community service in attractions like this a positive trend?
• How do you feel about using historical narratives in haunted attractions?
• Is it appropriate to involve children in horror-themed performances?

Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on this captivating Halloween attraction! 🎃