Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Anoka, Minnesota
Halloween – another true American holiday. Minnesota is as colorful as its leaves during late October. Orange and black banners swing into the wind and wrap around near naked trees during the season of Halloween. Hayrides, spook houses – there is so much to do in the North Country during Halloween. Family fun can be had by all – both treat givers and takers – Halloween tricksters and treaters.
Was Anoka, Minnesota the first place in the US to celebrate Halloween? Well that’s this town’s claim to fame. It is written in Anoka’s history that in late October 1920, George Green and some other civic leaders cooked up the idea of holding a Halloween celebration in order to divert mischief that had been spotted one morning running through the streets of their modest farming community. Seems the local citizens woke up one morning to find cows running a muck down Main Street, windows soaped over and other mischievous deeds done at random. So in 1920 the Anoka Commercial Club and the Kiwanis Club, with the help of some educators and such, helped organize an event that attracted more than a 1000 folks out into the town to celebrate Halloween – their way. The book “Anoka’s Halloween History” is filled with historical Halloween facts about this small town and the way they stole Halloween back from the pranksters.
In Anoka, this October 27th, anyone can enjoy family-fun by dressing up and joining in “The Big Parade of The Little People.” Or they can march in the “Grand Day Parade” held on October 28th. The parade will start on West Main Street and wind down on 5th Avenue. For a full schedule of events and activities in Anoka go to www.anokaholloween.com .
More family fun in the heart of the city! Another safe place to go for Halloween fun is the Landmark Center. In the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Landmark Center will host the Great Pumpkin Festival. Fun, music, entertainment, art activities and much more all starts at 1 PM on October 29th. And it’s free! The little ones will surely love the fun a games sponsored here. Enjoy the “Great Pumpkin Festival.” There will be a costume contest and treats all around. While you’re there visit the legendary North Tower. You’ll see the best view of Saint Paul. For more information about on going events phone 651-292-3225 or email Emily Condon at econdon@landmarkcenter.org .
Minnesota Children’s Museum has more fun times for kids! October 28-30 the museum will celebrate Hobitot? Halloween. Your little ones can dress-up (or down) as their favorite thing and frolic through a pumpkin patch, listen to scary stories, play with day-glow clay or enjoy pumpkin bowling! To reserve tickets phone 651-225-6001. The Children’s Museum is conveniently located in downtown Saint Paul. For more information access their website at www.mcm.org .
For adults only. The Minnesota Historical Society is sponsoring a novel approach to celebrating Halloween by presenting “Sincere Condolences: Victorian Mourning Rituals.” Tourists are invited to dress in period attire and participate in a romanticized Victorian funeral ritual at the Alexander Ramsey House located near downtown St. Paul, Minnesota.
This fine 1870’s, home once owned by Minnesota’s first territorial governor Alexander Ramsey, offers visitors a peek into the Victorian Era. Inside the Ramsey House are pristine marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, carved walnut woodwork and other original furnishings making this site one of our nation’s best preserved original Victorian homes. This year’s Halloween theme adds to the romantic notion of death as portrayed by mourners during the Victorian era. Due to the mature theme this tour is not recommended for children.
The Alexander Ramsey House: Furnishing a Victorian Home,
