NATCHEZ &045;&045; Why roam from house to house when treats, haunted-house thrills and even a costume contest can be found all in one place?

That’s the idea behind the fourth annual Halloween Howl event, which will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Duncan Park.

&uot;We’ve got a lot that’s new &045;&045; two cake walks, bobbing for apples, a fishing (game), a duck pond, two space walks and way more food items than before,&uot; said Sheri Rabb, director of marketing for Natchez Regional.

Those treats will run the gamut from hot dogs, hamburgers and nachos to candied apples and chocolate-covered strawberries and, of course, handfuls of candy from booths sponsored by businesses and organizations.

There’s no admission charge, but all activities and purchases will require tickets costing 25 cents and up. Children will also be able to view up close ambulances and a fire truck that will be on display at the event.

This year the event has 48 sponsors, twice the number that participated last year.

With all proceeds going to purchase car seats to be given away by Natchez police and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, the money is going to a good cause, Rabb said.

&uot;I’ve even had people come to my house to give $5 or $30 or whatever to help purchase these seats,&uot; Rabb said. And the funds are needed, since both agencies are out of the smallest car seats, she said. Major sponsors include Natchez Regional Medical Center, The Natchez Democrat, River 107 FM and the local chambers of commerce. They also include the Downtown Development Association, the Natchez Police Department, the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For her part, Rabb said Thursday afternoon she had been working since 7:30 a.m. Thursday helping get the site prepared for ghosts, goblins and their guardians.

But for those who still prefer to go door-to-door, trick-or-treating hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. today in Natchez, Vidalia and Ferriday.