A good party can do a lot of positive things. It can bring friends or strangers together. It can raise money for charity and spread knowledge about a cause. It can open eyes by introducing new foods or cultures. And, in one case, it can create peace and harmony throughout an entire city. Read on for the story of the Halloween party that saved a city.
The story began more than 100 years ago, in the town of Hiawatha, Kansas. Elizabeth Krebs, founder of the Hiawatha Garden Club, had grown tired of the revelers and pranksters who destroyed her prized flower gardens every Halloween. She decided to plan an alternate event, in an effort to keep Hiawatha residents too busy to cause the damage that had come to be a tradition in the town.
Although Mrs. Krebs’ ideas were dismissed by many as ‘foolish,’ she pressed on. That year, the first annual Halloween frolic was held in Hiawatha. She encouraged children to come in costume, and held a parade in which the costumed kids walked the main streets with horns and whistles. Meanwhile, a band provided background music. Then the participants went to the local opera house to be judged on their costumes, with the winners receiving special treats.
The Halloween frolic was a resounding success. In the following years, adults were encouraged to participate in the parade and costume contest. The frolic essentially became a street dance attended by nearly everyone in town. As the frolic grew larger and more extensive, the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce began to sponsor and plan the events. However, Mrs. Krebs is still credited with planning the Halloween party that saved a city from what had become known as the “night of destruction.”
If you’re inspired by Elizabeth Krebs and ready to plan your own Halloween frolic, Broadway Tent & Event has all the party rental supplies and equipment you need!
