Halloween may be weeks away.. but some people in the area are kicking off the holiday a little early. Hundreds of people participated in Ocala's first annual Halloween Howler today at the Ocala Hilton. Children and Adults of all ages enjoyed several activities like a haunted house, ghost stories and pumpkin decorating. Coordinator for the event, Deborah Ayala, says she wanted to put on an event that brought the community together. "We wanted to make a community event for everybody. So kind of how to do Halloween. We have a fashion show by Ocala models and talent, extensions dance studio, try to get a lot of local people and get everybody excited for the holiday," said Ayala. The event benefits the Arnette House, an organization that takes care of at-risk children and their families by providing counseling and shelter.