After a tradition dating back to 1938, children in Des Moines, Iowa will be able to go trick-or-treating on Halloween for the first time in over 80 years. The city has long observed Beggars’ Night, where children dress up and tell jokes to receive treats, as a way to reduce vandalism and promote wholesome fun. This year, due to expected heavy rain, officials decided to move trick-or-treating to the actual Halloween day, Thursday.
Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte emphasized that the safety of residents, families, and children is the top priority, leading to the change in the scheduled Beggars’ Night. The tradition, originally started by a former city parks director, has become a unique aspect of Des Moines culture. Many suburbs in the area also follow this tradition, but some have decided to align with the rest of the country by moving the celebration to Halloween.
Debbie Westphal Swander, owner of a costume shop in West Des Moines, expressed the importance of the event being about the kids. Despite the shift in date this year, she believes that maintaining the focus on the children’s enjoyment is what truly matters. This change in tradition, while temporary, highlights the significance of community values and the adaptability of long-standing customs.
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