2026 UPDATE
🎪💔 THE CIRCUS IS CANCELED FOR NOW,
BUT THE DREAM ISN'T DEAD.
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It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of BOTH Slaybrook Manor's October 24th public event and October 30th private party.
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We fought as hard as we could, folks. We really did.
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Since being blindsided with the enormous pile of paperwork accompanying yet another Notice of Zoning Violation from Genoa Township a few days ago, we have worked around the clock trying to find ANY possible way to save these events.
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We've explored every option we can think of, sought legal guidance, and searched desperately for a path forward. Unfortunately, at every turn, we've found ourselves checkmated.
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For over a year, we've attended meetings, submitted plans, sought guidance, made changes, and compromised repeatedly in an effort to keep Slaybrook Manor alive.
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What began as an entire Halloween season was reduced to four nights. Then just one public night. We accepted that compromise because we believed one night was better than none.
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And now, even that one night is gone.
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We've already spent thousands of dollars on attorneys fighting to preserve something we built with our own hands, funded out of our own pockets, and created out of love for this community.
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But at the end of the day, we're just two people. Two parents with a dream, trying to give local families something special.
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We simply cannot match the time, money, and resources available to an entire Township.
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And with our events just days away, there is no longer enough time to overcome these latest obstacles and finish building the experience our guests deserve.
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Please don't mistake our cancellation for surrender.
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We haven't stopped believing in Slaybrook Manor, and we certainly haven't stopped fighting for it.
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We haven't run out of fight. We've simply run out of time.
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To our incredible volunteers, our haunt family, the families who return year after year, everyone who signed our petition, shared our story, donated, emailed news and Trustees, or simply stood beside us: THANK YOU.
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You have shown us that Slaybrook Manor has become so much more than a little home haunt. It's a place where neighbors become friends, children discover their bravery, creativity comes alive, and a community comes together to support something good.
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That's what makes this so heartbreaking.
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We're not just losing our beloved Halloween celebration. We're losing the opportunity to share something we love with all of you, and to continue supporting the local business and charities that have become part of our mission.
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To everyone who reserved tickets: We will be communicating directly with you regarding donation refunds and next steps.
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We don't know exactly what the future holds for Slaybrook Manor, but we know this story isn't over.
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The monsters may be going back into storage this year, but the dream isn't dead.
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Thank you for believing in a little Halloween magic and for trusting us with giving your kiddos a place to go where they could be brave and conquer their fears safely. We never took that responsibility lightly and are honored that you would include us in making some incredible core memories.
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With love, heartbreak, and endless gratitude,
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Mailei, Joshua & the entire Slaybrook Manor Haunt Family 🎃
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P.S. If Slaybrook Manor has meant something to your family over the years, please don't stop telling our story. Share your memories, your photos, and what this home haunt has meant to you. Tag us on Facebook and we will share your stories to our page. The Manor was never ours, we just built it. YOU filled our little haunted halls with your joy, screams, laughter and love. It's your haunt and we are so grateful for each and every one of you. Your voices genuinely matter, and right now, we need to hear them more than ever.