Wallingford residents braved a chilly 42‑degree Saturday night to walk the beloved Trail of Terror, a Halloween‑themed attraction that has become a staple of Connecticut’s fall festivities. “The cold isn’t going to stop us,” said Jeremy MacDonough, who completed the hour‑long route.
History and Growth of the Event
First created in the owner’s backyard in 1995, the Trail of Terror has expanded dramatically over the past three decades. “It grew so big, they actually had to move it to Route 5 in Wallingford around 2000,” explained Rick Callahan, a representative for the event. “In 2003 we moved it to this location because it grew even bigger.” The attraction now spans an hour of jump scares, spooky scenes, and creative set pieces that draw participants of all ages.
Community Impact and Charitable Giving
The non‑profit venture has donated more than $2.5 million to charitable organizations across the state, and organizers hope to surpass that figure this year. Hundreds of volunteers work behind the scenes to build sets, manage crowds, and ensure safety. “This is my 23rd scare‑acting year. I’ve been here for a long time,” said veteran volunteer Sarah Thuerling‑Jones. “We all get together to make this work, and it all goes to charity.”
Visitor Reactions
First‑time participant Brenee Piazza praised the variety and creativity of the scenes, noting that the cold added an extra thrill. “I think there’s a lot of variety in the scenes as you go through and I think it was very creative,” she said. Longtime attendee Roger Williams summed up the local spirit: “It’s New England, so you can expect it.”
Event Details
The Trail of Terror runs Friday through Sunday each weekend until November 7. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the charitable mission. Organizers invite families, friends, and anyone looking for a festive, community‑focused Halloween experience to join the fun, regardless of the weather.
Looking Ahead
With the season still in full swing, the organizers are already planning next year’s expansion, aiming to involve even more volunteers and raise additional funds for Connecticut charities. The event’s continued popularity underscores Wallingford’s strong sense of community and its commitment to supporting those in need.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
