Kevin and LeNetta Leger are the sick minds behind Nightmare on Kent Street. As children, we were both victims of bad parenting which left us with a strong attraction to the twisted. Just kidding! However, we did grow up in families that enjoyed the traditions of Halloween. Our parents wanted to create a safe environment for their kids, and kids in the neighborhood. As adults, we began a small yard haunt as a way to bring that excitement and anticipation to our neighborhood. We built most of our own props, a tradition which continues today. Over the years, friends and family became more involved in the building and running of the “Nightmare”, until it grew into something huge.

  About this time, our frightened customers began telling us that our haunt was “as good as the professional haunts” that cost $20 or more, and told us that we should charge admission. We maintained that we only wanted to do something for our neighborhood, and if we ever charged admission, we would donate the proceeds to charity.

  In 2004, we had the privilege of meeting Henry Salinas, the founder of ICAN. As we learned about ICAN’s approach to helping the most at-risk youth in Chandler succeed, we were inspired to begin a partnership. Today, ICAN’s Peer Leadership Council assists with the design, construction and running of the haunt. Serving as tour guides and actors helps them learn and apply skills including project management and public speaking.

  We are proud that our haunt has become a major attraction in the East Valley, receiving media coverage from The Arizona Republic, Fox 10 News and ABC News. Our greatest pride, though, is that our Haunt has now become an annual tradition for friends, family, our neighborhood, and a great bunch of young adults at ICAN!