The night we now associate with costumed fun and spooky decor dates back over 2000 years ago to a Celtic festival! The Celtic people celebrated their new year on November 1st which was a day marking the end of the summer and the beginning of a harsh winter (sounds familiar!) Because the day marked the end of a wonderful time of the year and the beginning of a long, dark period of a cold winter, it became associated with death.
The history goes on from Celtic tradition to the Roman Empire to All Souls Day but what we are really interested in when it came to Minnesota and made Anoka, MN the Halloween Capitol of the World! Starting in 1920, it is believed that Anoka was the first city in the US to put on a Halloween celebration. The city has celebrated this holiday for over 100 years and the events that they have each year are perfect for kids of all ages. Halloween is a day that none of our children let us forget! The tricks and treats are back and it’s a day we can all celebrate wearing a mask!
Here are some of those events you don’t want to miss:
- Coloring Contest
- Scavenger Hunt
- Children’s Pumpkin Carving Contest
- Medallion Hunt
- Preschool Costume Contest
- Big Parade of Little People
- Grande Day Parade
Want to learn more about the history behind Anoka being the Halloween Capitol of the World? You can find out more here.
Fruits & Vegetables for the month of October:
- Pears
- Apples
- Pumpkins
- Ginger
- Galangal
- Tumeric
- Persimmons
October’s flower is the calendula. This flower symbolizes grace, healing, creativity, comfort, protection, and fertility. And it’s beautiful.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is vital to remind all women and men to protect themselves and cherish their health. Go get your mammogram!
