One of the many joys of being a parent is the opportunity to introduce your son or daughter to some of your childhood traditions.

I can still remember the first smell of autumn in the air as a child was a clear indication good times were fast approaching.

Football season would be in full swing and, in a matter of weeks, both family and friends would be gathering for Thanksgiving dinner and awaiting the future arrival of Old Saint Nick.

However, Halloween was the holiday which kicked off the next few months of excitement among family and friends. The celebration of ghosts, ghouls and goblins through the years has given me some of the most amusing and entertaining anecdotes to recount with my own child.

Halloween is the holiday which promotes make-believe, tricks and pranks — no matter your age.

I want to encourage everyone to remember the gh’oul times by joining the festivities at the upcoming Longwood Halloween Carnival sponsored by the Pilgrimage Garden Club of Natchez.

The primary goal of this event is to offer a fun, safe option for both children and adults wanting the ultimate Halloween carnival experience.

A haunting we will go as children and adults enjoy the many attractions. Enter at your own risk the spooky haunted house sponsored by the St. Mary Catholic Youth Organization.

It will leave you wanting your mummy! And, don’t be a scaredy cat — dare to go on the hayride!

For the cute little monsters, we will have games such as football toss, go fish, duck pond, space jumps and more. Remember to take your pick of the pumpkin patch!

We will have the food tent ready with halloweenies, nachos, frito pies and drinks and don’t forget about the tasty treats! Adults can sit for a spell in the football tent, watch the game on our wide screen TV while enjoying their beverage.

Halloween Carnival will be Saturday on the grounds of Historic Longwood located at 140 Lower Woodville Road in Natchez.

The witching hour starts at 4 p.m. with festivities coming to a close at 7:30 p.m.

The cost for admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Wristbands are available for $20 which includes one picture, hayride, haunted house and pumpkin along with unlimited midway games.

Make no bones about it, individual tickets will be available at the gate.

I look forward to seeing the super heroes, witches, fairies and ghoulish ghosts — the more the scarier!

I believe this event will create lasting Halloween memories for both children and parents, while helping preserve Historic Longwood.

For more information, please contact me at 601-304-1602 or Susan Graning 601-807-3068.

Have a boo-tiful Halloween!

Cara Moody Serio is a co-chairman of the Pilgrimage Garden Club’s Longwood Halloween Carnival.