Pumpkins, bales of hay and a few scattered witches and goblins are signs of the big day fast approaching — Halloween is just a day away.

But the fun really begins tonight as fall festivals and other seasonal festivities begin all across the Miss-Lou and continue through Thursday night before Halloween 2013 goes off into the spooky night.

From church-sponsored events to the Natchez Downtown Development Association’s Trick or Treat for Little Feet, many children will be skittering around the area over the next two evenings.

Those children will be likely slogging around in ill-fitted, perhaps uncomfortable costumes, and their little brains will be obsessed with finding the best candy possible — and in the greatest volume possible.

Because of this, it’s imperative that the rest of us act like responsible adults.

That means using extreme caution when driving tonight and Thursday night, realizing that little children can suddenly pop out from behind practically anything.

Whether you’re celebrating at a fall festival or a full-blown Halloween throw down, the absolute last thing we need is for a night of fun to become a night of tragedy because of a motor vehicle accident.

Please be careful tonight and Thursday so our area can make it through the scariest night of the year all safe and sound.