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 There's
all kinds of weird news floating around out there if you just look for
it! We've found some of it for you, some old, some new but all
interesting. Halloween is a spooky time of year and it just seems to
bring the weird, wild and wacky out in some people and places! |
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"How Anoka, Minnesota Became the Halloween
Capital of World"
by Sharron Stockhausen
Halloween came to America in the 1840s with Scottish and
lrish immigrants. Although clergy frowned on its celebration, Americans found upbeat ways
to celebrate the "dark" holiday and by the1870s fancy costume parties were found
everywhere.
As the holiday headed west, Halloween celebrants put wagons on roofs, stole gates, let
cattle loose, and turned over outhouses whether they were occupied or not.
In 1920, Anoka businessman and civic leader George Green suggested an organized
celebration to keep the young folks busy.
The Anoka Commercial and Kiwanis clubs gave him their full support and in September a
committee was formed. Soon teachers. parents and students joined in. Anoka became the
self-declared Halloween Capital of the World.
For the next month 1,000 Anoka students dreamed of their costumes. An evening parade
featuring local and neighboring bands and drum corps was planned. After the parade,
hundreds of bags of popcorn, candy, and peanuts were passed out to the marching costumed
children. Everyone gathered at Bridge Square for a large bonfire and program.
Every year the celebration grew more popular, but in 1942 and 1943 it was canceled because
of World War II.
By 1947 the number of marching children had almost tripled, so the parade was moved to 2
p.m. and all the children kindergarten though grade three from Anoka and neighboring towns
such as Champlin, St. Francis, and Coon Rapids were included.
When I was in grade school, all students were judged at their own schools in the various
costume categories. Then everyone was bussed to Franklin School to prepare for the
afternoon march down Main Street. We got treats at the end of the parade.
Later that evening the parade of floats, bands, and other participants marched toward the
Pumpkin Bowl football game where Anoka played someone we hoped it could beat. During half
time the parade arrived and we cheered as it circled in front of the football fans.
There have been many changes since the celebration began. This is the third year for
hearing our stories at Colonial Hall. I hope to see - you tonight or tomorrow.
Article from the Anoka County Shopper of Anoka, Minnesota Published October 28th, 1998.
Editor's note: Sharron Stockhausen is past vice president of
the Anoka County Historical Society."
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Every
year, Halloween enthusiasts anxiously await the retail
industry to begin their Halloween season and see who's
first to stock products for the spooky season. Many
stores begin stocking Halloween products as early as
July! |
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