I have such warm memories of my childhood in Eastern Iowa, especially that special last weekend of October when our little town would burst into a celebration of fun! There were costume contests, pumpkin carving competitions, games, and trick-or-treating that kicked off at the VFW and ended with a cozy community bonfire. We gathered around, enjoying hot dogs and s'mores, soaking in every bit of this delightful tradition.

Unfortunately, I believe that this type of festive spirit often gets lost in larger cities. However, I think we can adapt it to better serve our children and families! That is why I am reaching out to our community leaders to consider moving Beggar's Night to the last Saturday or Sunday of October each year.

This change would allow everyone to participate in the fun without the typical weekday rush of work and school, creating unforgettable experiences for our kids and strengthening our community ties. Moreover, and most importantly, this change would enhance the safety of our children. Currently, Beggar's Night begins at 6:00 PM when the sun is setting. If we were to move it to a weekend day, that issue could be addressed by starting earlier.

Interestingly, back in 2018, the National Retail Federation reported that over 175 million Americans celebrated Halloween, but much of that excitement seemed to revolve around shopping rather than fostering community connections. By shifting Beggar's Night to a weekend, we can cultivate a stronger sense of community and keep the festive traditions alive for everyone.

This is a fantastic chance for us to preserve and uplift a tradition that brings people together in our urban neighborhoods. I encourage you to be part of this movement by signing this petition. Let’s create the kind of magical Halloween experiences for our kids that we were lucky enough to enjoy!