Ghosts, goblins, witches and the sweet smell of candy. It mustbe time for Halloween.

While Halloween is Sunday, area residents will hit the streetsSaturday to celebrate the holiday from 5 p.m. until dark.

City officials and law enforcement agents hope participantsenjoy the night’s activities, but are reminding everyone to staysafe while trick-or-treating.

“We try to stress that everyone really pay attention to the kidsthat are out,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing.

Rushing added that his usual number of officers would bepatrolling the neighborhoods and provided a few safety tips. Hesaid people can pay extra attention while driving, trick-or-treatin familiar areas and parents should also keep a closer eye ontheir children and add something reflective to costumes ifpossible.

Brookhaven Police Department Chief Pap Henderson said BPD willbe helping to ensure a safe holiday, but said it will take acommunity effort.

“The most important thing is that parents need to help us out,”Henderson said.

Safety was also a concern for Mayor Les Bumgarner.

“We encourage everyone to be safe because a lot of the costumeswill be dark in nature,” Bumgarner said.

Witch, pirate, ghost and Batman costumes help round out thisyear’s top 10 children’s costumes, but princess and Spider-Mancostumes take the top two spots according to the NationalGeographic website.

Area stores may also experience a little more cash flow thistime of year.

According to the 2010 National Retail Federation survey,Americans will spend an average of $23.37 on costumes, $20.29 oncandy, $18.66 on decorations and $3.95 on greeting cards.

One local pastry shop enjoys making spooky themed bakedgoods.

Janie’s Pastry Shop & Bakery is able to take in a few extrasales from Halloween cookies, petit fours and cupcakes.

“When October starts, that’s when our iced cookies startbooming,” said Janie Stogner, owner ofJanie’s Pastry Shop &Bakery.

However, some retailers are looking past the orange and blackfestival to the more vibrant Thanksgiving and Christmasholidays.

“We don’t do a whole lot for Halloween,” said Party Place ownerAnn Martin, citing competition from larger retailers.

In addition of fall festivals and trunk-or-treat activities at anumber of local churches, those looking to kick off the Halloweenfestivities early can visit Artober Fest at the Episcopal Church ofthe Redeemer in Cannon Hall from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.

“It’s going to be very different, there’s going to be anartistic slant,” said Mississippi School of the Arts Resident LifeCounselor and event sponsor Barbara Davis.

MSA students will help organizers with activities, which includea haunted maze full of ghoulish amusements, face painting, karaoke,games and concessions. Participants can expect to pay an admissionfee of $3 per person, which will help fund MSA studentactivities.