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.
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.
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.
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.
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
