I'm just going to go ahead and say it: The Kosters, when we were younger and stronger, threw rather monumental Halloween parties. Sometimes they were costume-centric; other times they focused on jack-o'-lantern carving or chili- or gumbo-cooking contests.

No matter the theme, though, winners always received bottles of Boone's Farm Wine - and those fifths of cheap drunkard-juice were highly coveted.

Now. Imagine an All Hallow's Eve soiree with actual GOOD prizes. Like, $1,000 in prizes!

Get ready, then, for the Hygienic's annual Howling Halloween Bash. It takes place Saturday in the ballroom of New London's Crocker House, and your costume can earn big bucks. (You can buy all the Boone's Farm you ever dreamed of!)

Infectious and celebratory music comes courtesy of the What Up Funk Band - and repeat revelers assure the uninitiated that the Bash is one of the great parties of the year. The cover includes music, food, drink and, of course, entry into the costume contest.

And it's good to remember that the Bash is the Hygienic's only fundraiser of the year.

- RICK KOSTER

Hygienic's Howling Halloween Bash, 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Crocker House Ballroom, State at Union streets, New London; $35, $60 couples; hygienic.org.