Des Moines has a hilarious tradition called "Beggars' Night"

Halloween Fun Fact #5:

Des Moines has a hilarious tradition called "Beggars' Night"

The night before Halloween, young children in Des Moines hit the streets for Beggars' Night. According to an article in the Des Moines Register, the event began around 1938 as a way to prevent vandalism and give younger children a safer way to enjoy Halloween.

Beggars' Night is very similar to regular trick-or-treating, except kids are required to tell a joke, poem or perform a "trick" for a treat. The best part? The jokes are notoriously groan-worthy like, "If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?"

"Pilgrims." Get your best dad jokes ready!