Whether young, old or somewhere in between, the Halloween season means parties, haunted locales and more. Following is what's planned for the Keys.</p><p><B>Marathon American Legion</B></p><p>The American Legion Auxiliary in Marathon has its annual Monster Mash starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the legion hall, mile marker 49 oceanside.</p><p>Cost is $10, with proceeds going to student scholarships. The ticket gets you a buffet dinner from 7:30 to 9, music from DJ J.R. Jones, and a costume contest starting at 9 with awards for first, second and third place. There are also 50/50 drawings and a silent auction.</p><p><B>Storytime in Key Largo</B></p><p>Halloween stories and crafts for kids ages 6 to 12 are planned for 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Key Largo library, in Trade Winds Plaza at mile marker 101.4.</p><p><B>Key Largo Lions' bash</B></p><p>Children ages 3 years to fifth grade are invited to a Halloween party from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Key Largo Lions Club. It'll feature games, music, treats, refreshments and a costume contest, with awards presented for Scariest, Prettiest, Funniest and Most Original.</p><p>Cost is $4 per child; adults are admitted free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The party's sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the Upper Keys and hosted by the Key clubs at Coral Shores High School and Island Christian School.</p><p><B>Marathon Jaycees party</B></p><p>The Marathon Jaycees host their third annual Marathon Scarathon at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Jaycees building on 33rd bayside, across from Stanley Switlik Elementary School. All attending must be 21 or older and costumes are required. A costume contest is planned, and live music from Jessica Lilly and the Smoky Rhythm Band is scheduled.</p><p>Tickets are $10 and include a dessert/snack table. Proceeds benefit local charities.</p><p><B/>Marathon Elks bash</B></p><p>The Marathon Elks hold a Halloween party at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at their lodge, U.S. 1 and 82nd Street. There will be contests for most original, scariest and funniest costume, and one for best costumed couple. Cost is $10; bring a covered dish.</p><p><B>Haunted Fort Zachary Taylor</B></p><p>In Key West, a Civil War-era setting adds a historic flavor to the haunting of Fort Zachary Taylor. Visitors can explore the fright-filled fortress, discovering scary scenes and real Key West ghost stories nighttime through Oct. 30. Kids' Day is set for Oct. 25, with special 5 to 7 p.m. hours.</p><p>The entrance to the fort is at the end of Southard Street. Admission is $13 per person ($8 per child under 10 and $10 per person for members of the military). For more information, visit www.hauntedkeywestfort.com.</p><p><B>Haunted Hammock</B></p><p>The fifth annual Haunted Hammock opens from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29 at Crane Point Hammock, mile marker 50 bayside. The family event includes games, hayrides, fire-eaters, a haunted house and an appearance by the Pirates of the Marquesas. Sam the DJ provides the music. Prizes will be awarded for scariest costume, most original and cutest costume (the contest is open to kids 13 and younger).</p><p>Centennial Bank provides hot dogs and burgers. Cookie decorating is hosted by Cristiano's Catering. Admission is $5 per person (kids under 6 free).</p><p><B>Taste Something Red</B></p><p>From 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30, the Tasters Grille & Market in Tavernier has a Halloween-themed fundraiser for the American Red Cross in the Keys.</p><p>Called Taste Something Red, it'll include samples of Vampire Zinfandel, Dante's Reserve Cab and Merlot, and Kilroy Was Here Sparkling Shiraz. There will be 10 red and white wines in all. Also available will be Witches Brew Ale and Punkin' Ale for the beer lovers. Cost is $20 per person, with proceeds going to the Red Cross.</p><p><B>Underwater pumpkin carving</B></p><p>For those who prefer their spookiness submerged, the annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest is set for 8:30 a.m. Oct. 30, hosted by Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort, mile marker 104 bayside.</p><p>The contest is open to certified scuba divers and slated for the morning dive. Buddy teams each receive a hollowed-out pumpkin to turn into a jack-o-lantern. The only cost is the regular dive boat fee of $80 per diver for the two-tank dive. To sign up, call Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort at (800) 426-6729.</p><p><B>Spooky boat rides</B></p><p>For complimentary on-the-water excitement, Robbie's Marina, mile marker 77.5, is hosting spooky boat rides through a haunted canal, a pig roast, kids' corner, costume and pet costume contests and more.</p><p>The family-friendly activities are to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27. Call 664-9814 or send an e-mail to annie@robbies.com for more information.</p><p><B>Upper Keys Kiwanis party</B></p><p>n adult Halloween party held by the Upper Keys Kiwanis takes over the Elks Club in Tavernier, mile marker 92, on Oct. 30 from 6 to 11 p.m.</p><p>There will be food, music and dancing. Bobby Stoky's crew from Sundowners is providing what's called an all-you-can-eat Gory Buffet Feast. Xpresso, a seven-piece band from Miami, provides the music. There's also a costume contest, with first place worth $250. Tickets are $50 per person.</p><p><B>Marathon treats</B></p><p>The Gulfside Village Association, comprising business owners in the Gulfside Village shopping plaza in Marathon, are having trick-or-treating for kids from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.</p><p>Tables will be set up in front of the stores with treats for the children. Costumes are recommended for all participants. Other businesses that want to participate can do so by calling Paula at 743-9292 or Becky at 304-6357. usic will be performed by Papa Pete.</p><p><B>Big Pine treats</B></p><p>Kids can enjoy Halloween trick-or-treating from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Winn-Dixie plaza on Big Pine Key, where the merchants will be handing out candy to kids in costume.</p><p>Look for the orange pumpkin in the windows of these participating businesses: Artists in Paradise Gallery, Friends and Volunteers of Refuges, the Laundry Loft, Island Clipper Cuts, Bert and Frannies, Joe's Cash Flow Pawn, Keys Collection, Bagel Island, Now Showing Video, the China Garden and Daffy Doug's Discount Dollar.</p><p>Walton's Pet Store is offering treats all month long for whoever is in costume.