Frightful Fun

As Halloween approaches here are a few festivities going on in a neighborhood near you:

Family Fair--Enjoy food, music and dancing at the Larchmont Family Fair. Sponsored by the Larchmont Boulevard Assn., the 28th annual event features Italian, Mexican, Thai, Korean and Japanese fare. In addition, there will be a merry-go-round, a petting zoo, face-painting, and a costume parade for children younger than 14. Larchmont Boulevard from Beverly Boulevard to 1st Street; today, noon to 5 p.m. (free)

Carnivals--The South Gate Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor carnivals in South Gate Park and Hollydale Community Park. Free hotdogs and chips for first 2,000 people at South Gate Park, 4900 Southern Ave., and for the first 500 at Hollydale Community Park, 12221 Industrial Ave.; Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.; information: (213) 563-5443; (free).

Costume Contest--The Bell-Vernon-Maywood Rotary Club and the Bell Department of Community Services’s annual carnival will feature a costume contest, game booths and kiddie rides. Veterans Memorial Park, 6526 Wilcox Ave.; Saturday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; information: (213) 773-1596. (free)

Halloween Program--The Bell Gardens Recreation and Human Services Department will hold its annual program, featuring game booths, a pie-eating contest for adults and a game area for children 5 and younger; costume judging begins at 6:30 p.m. Bell Gardens Park, 6662 Loveland St.; Saturday, 6:30 to 9 p.m.; (310) 806-4532. (free)

Haunted House--The Cudahy Department of Community Services will host a haunted house at Cudahy Park, 5240 Santa Ana St.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. A carnival featuring a magician will also be at the park Saturday; information: (213) 773-5143, Ext. 318. (free).

Carnival--Huntington Park will have its annual carnival, featuring game booths, prizes and movies. Salt Lake Park Recreation Center, 3401 E. Florence Ave.; Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; information: (213) 584-6218 (free).

Decorating--The City of Commerce’s Department of Parks and Recreation is planning several events. Pumpkin-decorating contests are scheduled at Bristow, Bandini, Rosewood and Veterans parks, Friday at 4 p.m. Pumpkins will be distributed at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the parks; 5- to 12-year-olds are eligible. A “goblin give-away” for 3- to 12-year-olds with a drawing on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.; registration forms must be submitted before 5 p.m. Saturday. Costume parade at each park with awards at 5 p.m. Saturday; information for all events: (213) 887-4434 or (213) 887-4447 (a resident activity card and a $2 deposit are required).

Costume Dance--A senior-citizen costume dinner and dance. Dean Mericle Senior Citizens Center, 5107 Astor Ave.; City of Commerce, Friday, dinner 4:30 to 6 p.m.; dance 6 to 10 p.m.; reservations must be made by Thursday, 1 p.m.: information: (213) 264-6818. ($1.35 for seniors 60 and older; $5 younger than 60).

Dance--The ninth annual costume dance sponsored by the Salesian High School Booster Club. Salesian High School Gymnasium, 960 S. Soto St.; Friday 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.; tickets and information: (213) 261-7124 ($9 in advance; $10 at the door).

Teen Haunt Dance--Costume required for admission. Alpine Recreation Center, 817 Yale St., Chinatown, Friday 7 to 10 p.m.; information: (213) 485-5448 ($1 advance purchase; $5 at the door)

Day of the Dead--A celebration of Dias de los Muertas and Halloween. Paradise Market, 5200 S. Broadway, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; information: (310) 312-0711 (free). a

Halloween Festivities--The Mexican-American Opportunity Foundation will collect food for Latino riot victims during festivities at the Montebello Town Center. Trick-or-treaters are asked to bring a can of food in exchange for a treat; 2134 Montebello Town Center; Saturday, 4 p.m. People who would like to donate food but are unable to bring it to the mall are asked to call: (213) 722-8454.