Des Moines has postponed trick-or-treating – Deseret News

For the first time in more than eight decades, families in Des Moines, Iowa, will spend Halloween night trick-or-treating.

Children there typically take to the streets before Halloween on “Beggars' Night,” a local holiday focused on community safety.

This year, due to bad weather, Beggar's Night was moved to October 31st, making history possible.

“To my knowledge, (Beggars' Night) has never been postponed or canceled since its inception after Halloween in 1938,” Des Moines Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte told The Associated Press.

Trick or treat in Des Moines

Iowa's Beggar's Night tradition began after Des Moines leaders expressed concerns about the mischief surrounding Halloween.

According to the AP, the city wanted to promote “healthy fun for kids.”

On Beggar's Night, just like on Halloween, children go door to door looking for candy. But before they get a sweet treat, they are generally expected to tell a joke.

“Initially, children were encouraged to sing a song, recite poetry and other forms of entertainment, but over time a joke became the most common offering,” The Associated Press reported.

Beggar's Night is usually celebrated on October 30, the day before Halloween, the article said.

Strange Halloween Laws

Des Moines isn't the only US city with notable Halloween rules.

According to Justia, there are guidelines elsewhere that set a maximum age for trick-or-treating and curfews.

Some cities even ban certain costumes. For example, a city in Missouri doesn't allow costumes with corsets, while a law in Alabama says you can't impersonate a clergyman.

In Forsyth, Illinois, trick-or-treaters could face a $750 fine if they ask for candy in a home while the porch light is off, according to Illinois policy.