Thursday, October 29, 2009 — The invitations must have been delivered late at night because, even though Millsberry's residents woke to find a dark and mysterious scroll-invitation waiting on their doorstep, no one had seen or heard a thing (not even here at the Gazette).

The invitation reads: Your presence is requested in the Count Chocula Room, the Franken Berry Room, and the Boo Berry Room. From 10/29 to 11/04, visit the Red Lion Manor for spooky-fun games, treats, and surprises!

Around town, people were intrigued, spooked, and excited. Was Franken Berry a person? What was the Boo Berry Room? Would the Count Chocula Room be scary?! We sought out some answers from Mr. Combee, Millsberry's greenhouse keeper, and the first to visit Red Lion Manor in his eager effort to check out events around town.

We found Mr. Combee returning from a shopping trip—wearing a long brown cape! (With all of the new Halloween merchandise for sale, the stores have been packed.) Combee gave us the scoop on his visit to the Manor, pulling out a spider wig from his shopping bag as he spoke. "I don't want to spoil all of the surprises, but I encourage everyone to check out the Red Lion Manor for Halloween fun—especially since it's only here for one week!

"Each room is dedicated to a different monster among Boo Berry, Franken Berry, and Count Chocula. These guys were discovered living in a castle back in 1971, and shortly thereafter they were asked to make delicious cereals. I loved them and their cereals as a kid—and now they're back so everyone in Millsberry can enjoy them too."

Combee continued, "In each room, there's a fun game you need to play in order to win a fabulous prize—like this Count Chocula costume! And, if you win all three games from all three rooms, you'll win a grand prize. I still need to go back and try to win one more game, and then I'll be able to get the grand prize!"

We asked Combee if the Manor was haunted. He said, "I don't think so. It's all silly-fun and no one should be frightened! Some of the rooms are dark, making it hard to find the things you need to for each game, but that's also the fun of it. And I just love how different each monster is. Boo Berry is a funny ghost who loves to spook Count Chocula. The Count has a single-fanged smile and has always lived in a castle. And Franken Berry loves pink and strawberries! (It's also a surprise to learn that, for such a big, chain-wearing monster, he's scared of his own shadow)!"

So get in the Halloween spirit. In addition to trick-or-treating around town, get treated to even more over at the Manor, while learning about each monster and their cereal. And don't forget to check out the new costumes, and decorations available downtown for your home. There are also some favorite oldies from the past—back and on the rack!

And, after you've gotten a taste of each room, answer our poll to vote for your favorite monster!