The Oldest Halloween Parade in America Is Right Here in Kansas and It’s Amazing

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? The Hiawatha Halloween Frolic has been going on for over a century in the small town of Hiawatha, Kansas, and if you haven't yet been, we think this is the year to go. And the way the parade started is a fascinating tale.

Welcome to the town of Hiawatha, Kansas, home to the oldest Halloween parade in America. The first Hiawatha Halloween Frolic was on October 31, 1914, and it all started with an idea from Mrs. John Krebs, who had founded the Hiawatha Garden Club. Tired of mischievous children destroying her prized flower gardens each Halloween (at that time a day known for pranks and vandalism), she devised a brilliant idea — a frolic, a family-friendly event to keep the town's youth out of trouble that night. She put her idea in place, and with the help of the Hiawatha City Council, the event was successful.

It all started with a few wagons (like small floats) decorated for the season. Mrs. John Krebs set up a little party for the children of Hiawatha. 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 kiddie parade earlier in the day and the grand parade at night, along with a Halloween Queen contest, and plenty of competitions with prizes.

Due to her influence in transforming Halloween from a day of mischief to one that's more family-friendly and community-focused, Mrs. Krebs is called the "Mother of Halloween." It's been over a century since Hiwatha hosted its first frolic parade, and it evolves yearly into something more special.

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 begins at 3 p.m. and is known as the "Kiddie Parade." It's 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, at 7 p.m., 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.

We would love to share the oldest parade in the U.S. with every last Kansan. Let's make this year's parade the best they've ever seen! Hiawatha is located just northwest of Atchison in the northeast corner of Kansas. Stop by, have something to eat, and call the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce at (785) 742-7136 if you want to join the parade this year. Visit the City of Hiawatha website and follow the Hiawatha Halloween Frolic Facebook page for more.

If you want to explore more of Kansas' small towns, you'll love this short list of day trips to some of them. You can also plan your own trip to Hiawatha and beyond with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.