Kids go trick-or-treating on Halloween in Des Moines, Iowa — a first since 1938

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – For the first time since 1938, children in Des Moines, Iowa, will go trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Going door-to-door for candy on All Hallows’ Eve has long been commonplace throughout the country. But not in Des Moines, where Iowa’s capital took a different approach more than seven decades ago in hopes of curbing hooliganism.

Instead, Des Moines children don their costumes on Beggars’ Night, typically the day before Halloween. And in addition to screaming “Trick-or-Treat,” kids are expected to tell a joke before receiving a treat.

This year, Beggars’ Night was set for Wednesday, but due to expected heavy rain and thunderstorms, officials postponed trick-or-treating to Thursday, which for the rest of the country is the normal Halloween.

“To my knowledge, it has never been moved or canceled since it was established after Halloween in 1938,” said Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte. “However, the safety of our residents, families and children is always our top priority and led to the change in this year’s planned Beggars’ Night.”

The city began its unusual custom at the suggestion of a former city parks director as a way to reduce vandalism and promote more healthy fun for children. At first, children were encouraged to sing a song, recite poetry, and offer some other form of entertainment, but over time, a joke became the most common offering.

Beggar’s Night also has limited opening hours, typically from 6pm to 8pm

Many of Des Moines’ suburbs also adopted the Beggars’ Night tradition, choosing to move the celebration to Halloween this year.

“I didn’t realize we were so much of an anomaly because to us this is normal,” said Debbie Westphal Swander, who owns a costume shop in West Des Moines. “At least this year, we will be in sync with the way the event is celebrated everywhere else.

“The big picture for me is that it’s absolutely about the kids. That’s the most important thing.”