County communities prepare for Halloween
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The act of dressing up in costume and visiting neighbors in search of treats, commonly associated with Halloween, is reminiscent of All Hallows Eve.
Celebrated on October 31, All Hallows Eve emerged during the 9th century, in anticipation of All Hallows Day or All Saints Day on November 1.
A shortened version of All Hallows Eve, printed as Hallowe’en was used prior to the now common spelling without the apostrophe.
References to Hallowe’en activities were found while looking through 1946-1949 issues of the Record-News and Diagonal Reporter after the Tingley Vindicator changed publishers.
Tingley adopted it’s own approach to celebrating Halloween in 1946. A community celebration that included a parade, prizes for costumes, and parties for each age group was organized by town leaders.
An article from October 14, 1948 noted that representatives from all Tingley community organizations, churches and clubs took part in planning the celebration.
Tingley Fun Night
The 78th annual Tingley Halloween celebration and parade will continue this year on Saturday, October 26.
A pumpkin decorating contest will begin ahead of Saturday’s festivities, with prizes awarded. Pumpkins can be picked up at the Wagon Wheel Cafe or from Nancy Jarred. All decorated pumpkins should then be dropped off by October 21 at the Tingley Post Office where they will be displayed through Halloween.
Activities officially get underway beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 26.
The Tingley Fire Department will be serving a meal from 5-8 p.m. which includes your choice of pulled pork or beefburger, baked beans, chips and desert. Free will donations are being collected with all proceeds going towards the Tingley community playground.
Businesses, organizations and individuals are being sought to set up treat stations around the tennis court. The court and treat event will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for kids up to age 15. Contact Jerica Bolinger for more information at 515-238-4391.
In addition, a scavenger hunt will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and parade line up will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The evening will conclude with a parade of costumes and floats competing for best dressed or decorated status at 7 p.m.
Redding Trunk or Treat
On Sunday, October 27, a hay ride and hot dog roast is being offered in Redding at 2 p.m. with trunk-or-treating from 4 – 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for this event and costumes are optional. All events will be at the Redding square.
Mount Ayr Treat Night
City wide trick or treating in Mount Ayr is planned for Sunday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m.
Kellerton Beggar’s Night
Beggar’s Night was first introduced in Des Moines on October 30, 1938 to separate kids from the mischief and vandalism that had become associated with “trick-or-treating” on the 31st of October.
Kellerton and many other Iowa communities have also adopted the practice.
This year, Beggar’s Night in Kellerton is planned for Wednesday, October 30.
Kids in costume may go door-to-door around Kellerton between 5-7 p.m. Beginning at 7 p.m., trunk or treating will also be offered at the Kellerton Fire Hall along with a free movie.
Halloween in Diagonal
In Diagonal, trick or treat night around town is planned for Thursday, October 31, between 5-8 p.m. The Diagonal Lions Club will also be hosting a hot dog roast at the fire hall.
ROA Haunted House
The “Nightmare on Madison Street” will continue in Mount Ayr again this year.
Hosted as a fundraiser for the Ringgold Outdoor Alliance, the haunted house located above Still Smokin BBQ in the old Timby building, will be open two weekends.
Beginning Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 from 7-10:30 p.m., brave visitors can enter for $10. Anyone under age 17 will need to have a waiver signed by a parent prior to entering.
The fright returns for a second weekend, November 1 and 2, from 7-10 p.m.
Search facebook for details.
