NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox family’s tradition returns Sept. 28, promising big scares and screams, to benefit two good causes.
The Malpeli family’s Haunted Trail, set for Sept. 28–29 and now in its fourth year open to the public, features 10 different areas and roughly 60 “scarers” scattered around the roughly half-mile experience. Designed by Brian Malpeli and with the help of volunteers set to scare those traipsing along the trail, Malpeli said this year is quite possibly his best yet.
“As over the top as ever,” Malpeli told Patch, laughing.
The trail is situated in woods—the ground can be uneven, with slight dips and downhill spots—and the perfect setting for a good jump scare—or two, or three, or—well, let’s just say, more than a few. Malpeli doesn’t want to spoil the fun by hinting at the scares along the way, but there’s chasing. And chainsaws. And tunnels. And—well, you’ll have to wait and see.
“You’re going to be really scared going through it,” Malpeli assured.
The haunted trail had its start in 2017, when Brian and Mary Malpeli’s kids were younger and the family had just moved to New Lenox. It’s grown in scope and audience in the years since—Brian’s vision executed with the help of friends, neighbors, and other willing contributors.
“It started as a novelty for my kids and my friends,” Malpeli said. “I wish I could tell you I did things small. … I’m not a Halloween head, I just like to entertain.”
Malpeli looks forward to seeing people explore his creation, especially as he embellishes it each year. The woods are the ideal backdrop for his big dream, and people seem thrilled after they’ve walked through. Last year’s haunted trail saw roughly 1,000 visitors over two days.
“The life in the woods is so much more spectacular at this time of the year,” he said.
“They’re overly surprised by what they are in store for. This is intense. I do not mess around. It’s a lot more jump-scare than it is theatrical.”
For admission, Malpeli encourages donations and each year selects a local charity as the recipient. Past charities have been CASA of River Valley, a volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases within the Will County court system, as well as Cal’s Angels, a group that supports kids fighting cancer through wishes, awareness, and research.
This year, Malpeli and his wife turned their focus to supporting animal rescue organizations NAWS of Mokena and PAWS of Tinley Park. Both animal shelters offer a variety of services and programs, and will have representatives onsite, possibly including some of their adoptable animals, Malpeli said. There is no required donation amount; a donation of $5 is suggested. They will also accept donations of clumping litter, Purina One dry cat or kitten food, Purina One dry puppy or dog food, paper towels, wet cat/kitten food, wet dog food, hand sanitizer, and bleach.
The Malpeli family will match total donations up to $5,000, but their matching amount will be donated to Make-A-Wish, a cause close to their hearts.
It’s important to note that the trail is not handicap accessible, and is only for those that are able to walk without assistance—no wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, or strollers. Please leave pets at home—they will not be allowed on the property. The line starts forming at 6:30 p.m., and gates open at 7 p.m. The trail walks start about 7:15 p.m., or once it’s dark enough, the organizers said. The trail takes approximately 20-25 minutes to experience, Malpeli said. They will stop accepting people into the line at 8:45 p.m. Malpeli also asks that all visiting be respectful of the neighbors when parking and driving on local streets.
Malpeli and his wife encourage parents to use their discretion when deciding if they should bring their children.
“The woods are dark, and there’s scarers out there!” they said.
In addition to supporting community causes, the trail incorporates the help of local teens volunteering as the “scare staff” in return for service hours, Malpeli said. They’re in it for the causes, too, Malpeli said, as he makes sure to explain why each recipient needs the boost.
And oh, of course they’re there for the thrill of the scare.
“It starts the moment you get on my property,” Malpeli said, laughing. “… Actually, the scares start before you even get here.”
The trail—currently set for just Sept. 28–29—is located at 249 Canterbury Ct. Parking is available at Haines Elementary and Oster Oakview schools.
“It gets more fun every year,” Malpeli said, of putting on the big show. “It’s really not about recognition for me, it’s about people having fun.
“We really do it cool. … We take it pretty seriously.”
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