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Trinity Miller, 17, welcomes guest into the Murder House room before acting in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, Faith Ann Brown, 16, and Fisher Iseminger, 16, help set up before performing in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Fisher Iseminger, 16, helps set up before performing in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

A clown stands in the last room of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

A line forms around St. Mary's Basilica before the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Mollie Anderson 14 assists Maria Verucchi, 14, with her makeup before performing in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

A computer is set up for the "Asylum" room Tuesday before the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Battery operated candles and props sit on a table in the "Roanoke" room before first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Rhett Trosclair, 15, helps set up the "Roanoke" room Tuesday before performing in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Olivia Waycaster, 16, and Kirsten Sanguinetti, 16, stand in the "Apocalypse" room before acting in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Anna Simmons, 15, puts her makeup on before acting in the first night of the St. Mary's Haunted House Tuesday in Natchez. The theme of the haunted house was based off the different season of American Horror Story. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Plenty of candy will be available for the taking tonight as the city scares up some Halloween fun for trick-or-treaters.

The official hours for Natchez trick-or-treating are 5:30 to 8 p.m. today.

Merchants along Main Street will pass out candy to children in the area from Union Street to Canal Street from approximately 5 to 7 p.m.

Dennis Short, owner of Darby’s, is one of the participants. Short said the event is a good time for all ages. He said this year Darby’s will have a “day of the dead” theme and a cast iron cauldron with dry ice to create the illusion of a witch’s brew

“It’s a big thing at Darby’s. We dress up and have a good time,” Short said.

St. Mary Basilica, 107 S. Union St., will offer a haunted house from 6:30-8:30 p.m. today.

Carrie Lambert, youth director, said the students who put on the haunted house offer plenty of scary surprises.

“The scene this year is the ‘American Horror Story’ television show. It is going to be scary,” Lambert said.

Lambert said the haunted house might be too scary for anyone under age 7.

Also, while the listed hours are until 8:30 p.m., Lambert said they have to impose a stopping point with the last tour being at 9:30 p.m.

The entrance to the haunted house is St. Mary’s elevator on Main Street. Admission is $5.

Trunk or Treat will be held 5 p.m. today at the Holiday Apartments in the front office lot at 601 Old Washington Road.

Barney Schoby Jr. said he organized the event for Natchez Non-Violence, a committee formed in response to violent crime in the Natchez area.

“We continue to do programs in these area where the violence is prevalent to bring people together and raise awareness,” Schoby said. “About five of us in the committee will be participating in giving out candy and hot dogs.”

The First Baptist Church in Vidalia will hold its annual Trunk or Treat 6-8 p.m. today at the church, 100 N. Hickory St.

Mitzy Roby, financial secretary for the church, said it’s a safe environment for children and typically draws 1,200 to 1,500 visitors. In addition to candy, the event will feature a cake walk, photo booth and the Flock of Faith petting zoo.

The Parkway Baptist Church fall festival will be 5:30-7 p.m. at 117 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive.

The festival has fun activities for children, a dunking booth, a mobile pet clinic and lots of food, said Pat Huff, church financial and educational secretary.

Huff said the festival is a way to reach out to the community and show God’s love.

The Community Chapel Church of God’s fall festival will be 6-9 p.m. at the church, 100 Oakland Drive.

Festival activities include a cakewalk, silent auction, concessions and games. Admission is $2.

To keep children safe during all the fun, the Louisiana State Police offer these safety tips:

• Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Opt for face painting rather than masks, which can block vision.
• Make sure children’s costumes do not create a tripping hazard.
• Be sure children are supervised by an adult.
• Trick or treat in well-lit, familiar areas.
• Walk on sidewalks when available and face approaching traffic if on the street.
• Make sure children carry their contact information and know how to dial 911 for emergencies.
• Inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it.
• Motorists also should use extreme caution and be aware that children might dart from between vehicles when trick-or-treating. Headlights should be used day or night on Halloween to help children see the vehicle.

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