The city has lifted its ban on trick-or-treating, which was put in place in 1938 due to a series of child abductions in the city. The ban was reinstated in 2019 after a 2018 incident where a 7-year-old boy was attacked by a stranger in a park while trick-or-treating.
The History of the Ban
The ban on trick-or-treating in Des Moines was first put in place in 1938, following a series of child abductions in the city.
The city’s annual Beggars Night, a celebration of Halloween, has been rescheduled due to heavy rains and thunderstorms forecasted for the area on the traditional date of October 31st. As a result, the festivities have been moved to Thursday, October 31st, allowing kids to participate in Halloween celebrations like the rest of the city.
The Rescheduled Beggars Night Celebration
The city’s annual Beggars Night, a beloved Halloween tradition, has been rescheduled due to the inclement weather forecast. The decision was made to ensure the safety of the children participating in the festivities.
Why the Rescheduling? The heavy rains and thunderstorms forecasted for October 31st pose a significant risk to the children’s safety. The city’s infrastructure is not equipped to handle the heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding and other hazards. The rescheduling of the event will allow the city to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. ## The New Date and Schedule
The festivities will now take place on Thursday, October 31st, allowing kids to participate in Halloween celebrations like the rest of the city. The new schedule will include:
The event has been held annually on the first Saturday of November since its inception. The tradition has been maintained by the local community, with volunteers and local businesses participating in the event. The event has become a beloved tradition in the community, with many residents looking forward to it every year.
The Origins of Beggars’ Night
Beggars’ Night, also known as Beggars’ Ball, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The event was first established in 1938, after Halloween, as a way to raise funds for the local community. The idea was conceived by a group of local residents who wanted to create a fun and festive event that would bring the community together.
The Early Years
In the early years, Beggars’ Night was a relatively small event, with only a few hundred attendees. However, as the years went by, the event grew in popularity, and more and more people began to participate. The event was initially held at a local park, but it was later moved to a larger venue to accommodate the increasing number of attendees.
The Community’s Role
The local community has played a vital role in maintaining the tradition of Beggars’ Night. Volunteers and local businesses have been instrumental in organizing and participating in the event.
“The big picture for me is, it’s absolutely about the kids. That’s the most important thing.”