By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Many people new to central Iowa have never heard of Beggars Night until they are in the area this time of year. Beggars Night was implemented in Des Moines almost a century ago, in response to concerns about vandalism and safety on Halloween night. Generally, Beggars Night is held on Oct. 30. Not only did this result in decreased vandalism, but the tradition of Beggars Night caught on and became a tradition in much of central Iowa.
For any monsters and spooks looking to get out of the house this week, here is a partial listing of official Trick-or-Treating times (if applicable) and related events in the area.
Adair:
- Trick-or-Treating Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m.
- A Trunk-or-Treat event will be held Oct. 31, 3-6 p.m. at the Community Center, with face painting by Art by Kat.
Bagley:
- A Trick-or-Treat parade will be held on Oct. 31, beginning at 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Bagley Fire Department and Ruth Riley.
Bayard:
- Halloween Legos party at Bayard Library on Monday, Oct. 28, 405 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.
Casey:
- Casey Service Club hosts Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 27, 4-5 p.m. Hot dogs until gone.
Guthrie Center:
- Trick-or-treating 5-8 p.m. (5-6 p.m. in the business district, 6-8 p.m. in residential areas)
- New Homestead is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m.
Jamaica:
- Jamaica Library will host an “Almost Scary Costume Party” Oct. 31, 2-7 p.m. Pizza and story time at 5 p.m.
Linden:
- Beggars Night, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m.
- Tripple Berry Farm will host a free movie night (Ghost Busters: Frozen Empire) on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. with free popcorn. Burgers, hot dogs and smoked wings will also be available.
Panora:
- Downtown businesses, Oct. 30, 5-6 p.m.
- Beggars Night, Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m.
- Lakeside Village welcomes Trick-or-Treaters on Oct. 30, 5-8 p.m.
- Panora Library will hold an event for neurodivergent (and neurotypical) children on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10-11 a.m. Costumes are encouraged. Treats will be available.
Stuart:
- Trick-or-Treating Oct. 31, downtown 5-6:30 p.m.; residential areas 6-8 p.m.
- During Trick-or-Treat, at the Stuart Library, Ms. Lisa will hand out kids’ books while they last.
Yale:
- Beggars Night, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m.
- Yale Saddle Club hosts a free Children’s Halloween Festival, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2-5 p.m. at the Community Building.