Kids will 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 to buy sweets on All Saints Day has long been a common practice across 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 put on their costumes on Beggars' Night, usually the day before Halloween. And besides yelling “trick or treat,” kids are expected to tell a joke before getting a treat.

This year, Beggar's Night was scheduled for Wednesday, but because of expected heavy rain and thunderstorms, police postponed the trick-or-treating event until Thursday, which is normal Halloween for the rest of the country.

“To my knowledge, it has never been postponed or canceled since its inception after Halloween in 1938,” said Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte. “However, the safety of our residents, families and children always comes first and led to the change to this year’s Beggar Night schedule.”

The city began its unusual custom at the suggestion of a former city parks director to curb vandalism and encourage more fun for children. Initially, children were encouraged to sing a song, recite poetry, and provide other forms of entertainment, but over time, a joke became the most common offering.

Beggar's Night also has limited opening hours and usually takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

Many Des Moines suburbs also adopted the Beggar's Night tradition and decided to move the celebration to Halloween this year.

“I didn't know we were such an anomaly because it's normal for us,” said Debbie Westphal Swander, who owns a costume shop in West Des Moines. “At least this year we will follow 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.”