In 1941, Des Moines replaced traditional Halloween pranks with a unique tradition called "Beggars' Night". Children began going door-to-door on October 30, performing jokes, songs, or tricks in exchange for treats. This tradition was created to reduce vandalism and promote a more positive Halloween experience. The Beggars' Night concept was successful, reducing police calls and promoting a fun and creative way for children to celebrate Halloween.
In recent years, some Des Moines metro communities have considered shifting trick-or-treating to the Saturday before Halloween to prevent children from being out on a school night, while others have opted to move it to Halloween, October 31. This survey aims to assess interest in moving trick-or-treating away from Beggars' Night. Many metro communities prefer to align their celebrations with neighboring areas, and this survey will help facilitate coordination for 2025.
Take the survey here.