Looking for a safe place to take your little ghosts and goblins on Halloween? Natchez Regional Medical Center is teaming with The Natchez Democrat and other local sponsors to host a Halloween Howl, complete with story-telling, trick-or-treating and other games for children.

&uot;The hospital wanted to do something safe for young kids,&uot; said Tammi Mullins, director of the Natchez Downtown Development Association, which is co-sponsoring the event.

Other sponsors include the Natchez and Vidalia chambers of commerce, LoveComm, Oldies 107, the Natchez Police Department and the Natchez Recreation Department. &uot;There is a good effort from a lot of people,&uot; Mullins said.

Activities at the event include storytelling at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, a haunted house, games and rides, and trick-or-treating provided by local businesses.

Businesses can rent a booth for $30 and hand out treats to children. Company representatives — who will also dress in costume — can decorate their booths.

Mullins said parents are often looking for a safe place to take their children on Halloween. &uot;The people I’ve mentioned it to are real excited about it,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;We’re expecting a big crowd.&uot;

The event will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Main Street Marketplace. Businesses can participate by buying space in a booth for $30

In addition to providing a safe place for children on Halloween, the event will help provide a safe ride for other children. Proceeds from the event will help purchase larger toddler car seats, which the Natchez&160;Police Department can distribute to parents who might not be able to afford them.

&uot;All too often when trauma cases arrive in the Emergency Department, there are injuries to children in the 2-4 age group,&uot; wrote Natchez Regional CEO Jack Houghton in his invitation to businesses to join the event. &uot;There is simply not enough focus on protecting the little children who cannot benefit from adult seat belts.&uot;

&uot;These children require special seats and restraints, and the police officers will be ablr to offer this protection to these small children when they see the opportunity.&uot;