Better known in popular culture as an American holiday for dressing up and trick-or-treating it's one that is becoming more prominent in Australia, whether you like it or not.

While the day doesn't originate in American culture (it is thought to be Irish), commercialisation and a few Hollywood movies has seen it transform.

Just a few years ago we wouldn't have seen ghosts and goblins walking the streets of Dubbo on this day, however the American version of Halloween is growing each and every year in town.

This year the Old Dubbo Gaol are opening their doors for a spook-tacular Halloween event and last night the Hear our Heart Ear Bus used a Halloween Dance to raise money for their great cause.

More children are taking part in the event, going house to house, door knocking for treats.

While it is a great activity to keep the kids entertained we need to be mindful that not everyone takes part in the festivities.

Police this year issued a statement telling parents to accompany their children when they are walking the streets.

They summed it up by saying that we teach our children not to take candy from strangers, and then one day a year we send them out to do just that.

If you are going out and about trick or treating tonight make sure you know where your children are. Enjoy the holiday if you so wish, and stay safe.