Des Moines to Celebrate Delayed Trick-or-Treating on Beggars’ Night Amid Storms
Des Moines, Iowa—For the first time in decades, children in Des Moines will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat on Halloween. However, due to severe weather forecasts, the city has decided to delay its traditional "Beggars’ Night" celebration by one day. The event, which typically takes place on October 30, has been moved to ensure the safety of families as storms, including potential tornadoes and hail, are expected to hit the region.
Beggars’ Night, a local alternative to Halloween, dates back to 1938. Established as a means to curb rampant vandalism and chaos associated with Halloween, it was initiated in response to over 500 vandalism reports that year, including arson and other disturbances. Since then, the tradition has children trick-or-treating one night earlier, leaving Halloween for adult and family-oriented festivities. The State Historical Society of Iowa notes that this shift was a community effort to create a safer environment for families.
In a charming twist, the tradition mandates that young trick-or-treaters must tell jokes to receive candy, adding a creative flair to the spooky event. The Des Moines Register has highlighted some of the humorous quips children have shared, such as "How does a cucumber become a pickle? It goes through a jarring experience?" and "Why don’t lobsters share? Because they’re shellfish." This unique aspect of Beggars’ Night has also spread to other regions, including areas in Ohio.
As families prepare to celebrate Beggars’ Night with laughter and sweets, they remain hopeful that the weather will cooperate for a safe and enjoyable experience.
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