The term “Halloween” often connotes a period of fear, eeriness, and horror. But when we consider locations associated with Halloween, we typically think of Salem, Sleep Hollow, or New Orleans. But do you know about the first American city to celebrate Halloween? We bet you don’t! The first city believed to put on a Halloween celebration was Anoka in the US’s Minnesota in 1920. Read on to know how and why Anoka became the first Halloween city in the US and the Halloween capital of the world.
How Anoka Became The First US City To Celebrate Halloween
In 1920, Anoka, Minnesota, aimed to organise a Halloween celebration to deter children from pranks.
The youngsters caused chaos in Anoka during that time, with soaped windows, cows roaming in the main street, and outhouses tipping over. To control the situation, the residents decided to take action.
Anoka residents initiated a costume parade and block party to distract youngsters, which turned out to be a perfect trick. Since then, Halloween has become a popular distraction for generations. The town was festively lit, with a variety of activities, costumes, food parties, and decorations that matched the season’s theme.
To this day, Anoka is renowned as the World’s Halloween capital.
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Timeline Of Anoka, The Halloween Capital
Anoka civic leaders proposed a Halloween celebration in 1920. The Anoka Commercial Club and the Anoka Kiwanis Club supported this proposal. A committee was formed in September, which included businessmen, teachers, parents, and students.
Over a thousand Anoka schoolchildren prepared costumes and plans for the event. A parade was scheduled, with local bands, drum corps, police, fire departments, Kiwanis Club, Commercial Club, and Anoka National Guard participating. After the parade, treats were given away, and a bonfire was staged at Bridge Square. Celebrations have continued since 1920, except for 1942 and 1943 due to World War II.
In the 1930s, Halloween festivities expanded with over 2,000 costumed children and 20,000 spectators.
In 1937, Harold Blair, a 12-year-old wearing a Halloween Capital sweater, carried a proclamation naming Anoka Halloween Capital of the World to Washington, D.C., marking the city’s growth and popularity.
Anoka Halloween Capital of the World continues to be a world-class celebration, with participation from midwestern units in both the night and Grande Day parades. The original costumed students parade down Main Street before the Grande Day parade, allowing residents to witness their grandchildren or great-grandchildren continue the tradition.
Anoka Halloween Inc. is a non-profit organization that creates a community-based Halloween celebration, raising funds for local student scholarships and elementary schools and supports a 103-year-old annual festival in October, celebrating the town’s love for Halloween.
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This Halloween, learn more about the Halloween capital of the world, Anoka.
Cover Image Courtesy: Anoka Halloween website