Posted in Kansas Attractions October 05, 2017 by

The Oldest Halloween Parade In America Happens Right Here In Small Town Kansas

Kansas is full of all sorts of spooky places in the fall, and we’re here to find all of them. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to Atchison’s collection of haunted… everything. However, sometimes there’s something that’s been around for ages, right under your nose. Today, that event is hiding in northeast Kansas. Let’s check out the oldest Halloween parade in America – right here in the Sunflower State.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Here in the small town of Hiawatha, there's a parade that happens every Halloween since 1914, making it the oldest in America. Now, there's two parades to watch; one for kids, and the other for everything else.
Hiawathe Halloween Frolic Facebook
Every year, they decorate the town and plan fall festivities for this day-long event.
Hiawathe Halloween Frolic Facebook
There have been many themes in the past, but the 2017 theme is "When Fairy Tales Turn To Scary Tales" Spooky!
Hiawathe Halloween Frolic Facebook
The Hiawatha Halloween Frolic has really been happening for over 100 years now! They've got photos from different eras, and traditions dating back to some of the earliest parades.
Hiawathe Halloween Frolic Facebook
In the beginning, it was just a small party and parade for the children of Hiawatha. They decorated wagons and were given awards for the best costumes. It became a tradition including contests, cash prizes, and a Halloween Queen competition.
Hiawathe Halloween Frolic Facebook
You can join the parade (for free!) by contacting the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce.

While you’re out roaming small towns, why not try some of these small town restaurants where you’ll never need a reservation?