Local Creator Supplies 450 Animatronics to Fresno Haunts
Eighteen-year-old Lucas Antonio is powering the city's Halloween attractions with his extensive collection of robotic props.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Puppetry
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Lucas Antonio, founder of Elsewhere FX, is currently supplying 450 Halloween animatronics to various haunted attractions across the Central Valley. The collection is currently on display at local events including the Scare Factory and Midnight Manor.
Why it matters
The professional-grade animatronics significantly elevate the production value of regional haunts. By sourcing exclusive units, collectors like Antonio bring high-end horror experiences to the local community that were previously unavailable.
Spirit Halloween produced 3,000 limited edition Freddy Fazbear units this year, with only 7 currently located in the Central Valley. Lucas Antonio currently maintains a total collection of 450 animatronics.
The players
Lucas Antonio
An eighteen-year-old collector and founder of the company Elsewhere FX who specializes in Halloween animatronics.
Spirit Halloween
A seasonal retailer that specializes in Halloween costumes and animatronic decorations.
Elsewhere FX
A design company founded by Antonio that provides equipment for various haunted attractions in the region.
The details
Antonio utilizes motion-activated sensors to trigger his animatronics, which he acquires through a mix of retail discounts and limited-edition releases. He founded Elsewhere FX to design, equip, and tour these specialized Halloween attractions throughout the region.
Timeline
Antonio purchased his first animatronic in 2010.
Antonio helped open the Scare Factory in Fresno in 2024.
Fresno Fright Nights opened at Island Water Park in October 2026.
Midnight Manor closes at the fairgrounds on November 1, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The use of limited-edition pieces like the Freddy Fazbear animatronic unit mirrors the broader trend of high-end collector items infiltrating regional entertainment. This highlights how individual enthusiasts are increasingly capable of mounting professional-grade attractions using specialized tech.
Residents can view these animatronics in action at local events like the Scare Factory and Midnight Manor throughout the remainder of the season. These venues provide fans of the genre with direct access to high-end, professionally sourced displays.
The takeaway
Collectors can often build professional-level displays by strategically sourcing limited-edition items from seasonal retailers. Hobbyists looking to replicate this success should focus on acquiring pieces through early release windows to build a diverse inventory.
What happens next
The Midnight Manor haunted house is scheduled to close at the Fresno fairgrounds on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the local arts scene, visit the Puppetry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Fresno Bee.
Live Poll
Do you believe animatronic displays improve the quality of local Halloween attractions?
