In a first since 1938, Des Moines, Iowa, kids will trick-or-treat on Halloween: NPR

Olive Luther prepares to stock costume displays at The Theatrical Shop on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Charlie Neibergall/AP

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Charlie Neibergall/AP

Children in Des Moines, Iowa, will get to trick-or-treat on Halloween for the first time in decades and find out why a person need only look to the sky.

Expected storms are forcing a one-day delay of “Beggars’ Night,” the annual tradition in which children in Iowa’s capital participate, replacing the Oct. 31 observance of All Hallows’ Eve widely observed across the country.

The tradition began in 1938 as a way to reduce vandalism and violence, according to State Historical Society of Iowa. That year, Des Moines police responded to more than 500 reports of vandalism on Halloween night, with teenagers setting fires and throwing bricks. Ever since, children have gone trick-or-treating the night before Halloween, known locally as Beggars’ Night, while Halloween is reserved for adults and family-oriented activities, according to the historical society.

In addition to the storms forecast for Wednesday night, there is the potential for tornadoes and hail, according to National Weather Service.

The tradition involves children telling jokes in exchange for their sweets.

According to Des Moines Register, arguments in recent years have included: “How does a cucumber turn into a pickle? It goes through a harrowing experience?” and “Why don’t lobsters share? Because they’re shellfish.”

The tradition has since spread to other parts of Iowa and Ohio.