NATCHEZ — Downtown will get a little spooky today as little ghosts and goblins roam the stores looking for treats.

The Natchez Downtown Development Association is hosting “Little Feet Trick-or-Treat,” an opportunity for grade school children to trick-or-treat at downtown businesses.

Merchants will dress in costumes and hand out candy from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

“We wanted something easy for merchants to do,” NDDA Director Carrie Lambert said. “We wanted something to bring children back downtown and give more of a family atmosphere to downtown.”

Lambert said she hopes by introducing children to downtown early, they will grow to appreciate it.

At the same time, adults can become reacquainted with downtown and discover new stores.

“Downtown has changed so much in recent years,” she said.

Merchants along Franklin and Main streets will be part of the fun, and NDDA board members will be walking around handing out candy and “filling in the gaps,” she said.

For years, preschoolers from nearby churches have been guided around downtown to trick-or-treat Halloween morning. Now, downtown has something for the older children, too, Lambert said.

Mary Stowers, owner of Copy Cat on Main Street, is one of the merchants participating in the event.

Stowers said she hopes the trick-or-treating will draw people to the area.

“It’s always nice to have people out and about downtown,” she said.

Mary Emrick, owner of Turning Pages Books & More on Franklin Street, said her store has always invited the preschool trick-or-treaters.

“It’s fun to see the little children in their costumes,” she said. “Sometimes (the churches) don’t call. They just show up, and you had better be ready. And they’re always so excited.”