Trail of Terror back for 15th year

Wallingford (WTNH) - It's sure to be a frightful good time in Wallingford this Halloween season, as the Trail of Terror returns to mark their 15th year.

It all started in Wayne Barneschi's Wallingford yard, and has since grown to one of the state's largest and most successful Halloween attractions.

"I set up a few things in my front yard and it grew and grew, and we moved to my friend's house on Route 5 and now here we are 15 years later behind the PNA park," Wayne said.

Wayne counts on hundreds of volunteers all year long to help him make theTrail a success.

"We're like a family, we've really created a Trail family," he said. "That what makes it run, that's what makes it so special."

Beth Threloff of Wallingford is the Head Costume Designer who has worked at the Trail since nearly the beginning.

"Everybody has a home, whether is it scaring or helping, or pouring coffee, it takes all of us," she said.

Every year, there's something new and exciting to see, so even if you've been here before, you're sure to jump out of your shoes with terror.

"About 75-percent of the attractions this year are new," Wayne said. "This year we've got an Edgar Allan Poe house, a new morgue, and a Texas Chainsaw Massacre house."

Wayne says the Trail is so popular that they've been pulling in over $100,000 for the past three years. The proceeds used to go to the Wallingford American Red Cross chapter, but with that closing this past year, Wayne decided to start his own non-profit.

"We want to help local families and all the proceeds will go to that," he said. "We're already getting calls for help."

The Trail of Terror begins October 2nd. For directions and tickets, please visit www.trailofterror.com/