Iowa city is finally letting kids trick-or-treat tonight — after more than 85 years

Iowa City, Iowa, is poised to break a longstanding tradition by permitting children to trick-or-treat on Halloween night for the first time in over 85 years. This significant policy shift comes after decades of adherence to a ban that was originally instituted in 1935 due to safety and sanitation concerns . The decision reflects changing societal attitudes towards community safety and children's freedom during festive occasions.

The ban on trick-or-treating was initially implemented as a protective measure against potential hazards associated with Halloween celebrations. Residents expressed their frustrations over the years regarding the limitations imposed by this policy, advocating for its reconsideration. As local sentiments evolved, community members rallied for change, culminating in this year's decision that aligns with contemporary perspectives on child safety and enjoyment during holidays.

The Beggars’ Night celebration can be traced back to a particularly crime-stricken Halloween in 1938, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa. That night, Des Moines police answered 550 reports of vandalism – teenagers setting fires, breaking windows and sidelining street cars.

In an effort to curtail the hooliganism, what became the city’s Parks and Recreation Department designated October 30th as Beggars’ Night, when children would be allowed to go door-to-door trick-or-treating under adult supervision. Halloween would be reserved for family-friendly activities and adult events.

Initially, in response to the pushback from the community, the Mayor of Pleasant Hill, Sara Kurovski, said in a Facebook Post, "unless you are made of sugar, you won't melt. I sure didn't when I was out trick or treating growing up." 

Before the news of a rainy forecast, some communities had already moved Beggars’ Night to the Saturday before Halloween so trick-or-treating wouldn’t fall on a weekday.

As for next year, the city will conduct a survey to consider an official date change to the weekend, according to Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen.

To trick-or-treaters, the point of the night remains the same no matter the day of the week.

“I mean, it makes a difference. But you still get candy,” Lucy Jaksich, a Des Moines 9-year-old, told CNN affiliate KCCI.

This year’s allowance for trick-or-treating coincides with similar developments across other Iowa cities. For instance, Des Moines has also adjusted its practices due to weather-related concerns impacting traditional Beggars' Night celebrations. The lifting of restrictions not only revitalizes community engagement but also reinstates a cherished childhood experience that fosters social interaction among families and neighbors.

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Sarah H

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