While some people will be enjoying haunted houses or corn mazes this Halloween, have you ever heard of the oldest Halloween parade in the country? This parade has been going on for more than a century now, and we'd love to share it with every last Kansan. Let's make this year's parade the best they've ever seen!
Welcome to the town of Hiawatha, Kansas. It's home to the oldest Halloween parade in America, starting from the year 1914.
That's more than a century of this parade that evolves every year into something more special.
It all started with a few wagons decorated for the season. It was a little party for the children of Hiawatha, set up by Mrs. John Krebs.
Little awards for all the best costumes were created, and a legendary tradition was born.
Soon, it expanded to not one but TWO parades on Halloween, a beauty contest, and plenty of competitions with prizes.
The town also decorates all the windows on the main street, with themes from creepy characters to regular fall fun.
These days, the afternoon parade is known as the "Kiddie Parade" and is all about the kids and their decorations.
Prizes for best costume or decorated vehicle type are eagerly competed for. "Who has the best dressed horse in town?" is a question I've always wanted to answer myself. They also decorate trikes, miniature cars, bikes, wagons, and family floats to help fill the parade with even more cheer.
Later in the evening, what's known as the Grand Parade starts.
Creepy floats with gory costumed guests drive by special guests like the Kansas Governor and the local high school band. It's a party you don't want to miss, that's for sure! Make sure you catch the Halloween Queen crowned before the parade!
This year's theme is Hiawatha's Monster Mash, and we can't wait to see what they come up with this year.
You'll find Hiawatha just northwest of Atchison, in the northeast corner of Kansas. Stop by, have something to eat, and if you want to join the parade this year, call the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce at (785) 742-7136 or visit this link here to get the needed forms.
If you're in the mood to explore more of Kansas' small towns, you'll love this short list of day trips to a few Kansas small towns.
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