Butler families looking for an easy source of Halloween scares can consider a new Alameda Park event this October.

On the evenings of Oct. 25 and 26, Butler County Parks and Recreation is inviting visitors to traverse a spooky, haunted trail that is loaded with scares.

Alameda Park's first-ever Haunted Trail event should provide a modestly scary experience for Butler residents wanting to stay close to home for their celebrations, according to Tim Calvert, the parks department's programs and aquatics manager.

“We're not trying to prevent you from sleeping for days,” Calvert said. “It'll be spooky in some places, but it won't be over the top. We want to provide a local, easy option for people looking for a scare.”

The event is a partnership between the parks department and a local group known as PACT, or Prayers Answered Charity Tournaments. The group hosts charity tournaments to raise money for families in need of financial assistance, often due to serious childhood illnesses or other difficult circumstances.

Ryan Good, one of the group's founders, said PACT is partnering with the Ian EZ Rice Foundation to give money to a needy recent widow or widower. They're working with that foundation's founder, Erika Campbell.

“We're trying to help as many families in need as we can,” Good said.

Good previously worked with the YMCA for a similar haunted walk in Slippery Rock. That walk isn't taking place this year, inspiring the Haunted Trail hike.

The walk begins and ends at Alameda Park's Odd Fellows Gazebo. The exact route of the trail isn't yet set, but attendees should expect about 20 to 30 minutes worth of walking. The trails aren't conducive to strollers or wagons, so those should not be taken on the walk.

Participating will cost $5 a person. Money raised will be split between the parks department and PACT.

The organizations are looking for volunteers to help run the event and scare participants. Those interested in volunteering can call Good at 724-859-5402 or the parks office at 724-284-5383.

Those wanting to attend can show up and pay at the event or sign up online at bcpr.recdesk.com. The event begins at 7 p.m. both days.