Now that October is officially here, the hunt for the perfect costumes, spooky decor, and sweet treats begins! While Halloween has existed in some form for centuries, most of our current traditions to one city in Minnesota. Not far from the Twin Cities, Anoka has been celebrating Halloween in style since 1920. Today, nearly 100 years later, Anoka continues to live up to its legacy as the Halloween Capital of the World. Read on to learn about all of Anoka’s Halloween festivities!
Way back in 1920, almost a century ago, Anoka held one of the first Halloween parades in the United States.
123dieinafire/Wikimedia Commons
The community came together to host a big Halloween celebration. That celebration became a tradition that Anoka has held nearly every year since. It is now known as the Halloween Capital of the World.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
These days, Anoka celebrates its spooky heritage all year. In fact, it may be one of the most haunted towns in Minnesota.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Besides possible hauntings, the community also hosts many events. Anoka’s calendar is filled with Halloween festivities nearly every night of October.
City of Anoka, Minnesota/Facebook
There is everything from pumpkin shows…
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
…to bingo nights.
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
The Anoka County Historical Society hosts Museum Night, where you can stop in to see decades-old Anoka Halloween memorabilia and other interesting displays.
Anoka County Historical Society/Facebook
A Haunted House hosted by the Anoka Knights of Columbus makes for a fun weeknight activity. It costs $10 for adults to experience this spooky spectacle.
Anoka Haunted House/Facebook
Anoka locals participate in a house decorating contest. Drive around town to check out the creativity of this community - and to get your own ideas!
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
Line up along the parade route at 1:00 p.m. to join in the festivities.
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
There are contests for kids, too. A kids’ costume contest and parade in the weekend before Halloween is a cute way to celebrate the Holiday.
Public Information Office/Flickr
All of these events lead up to the cherry on top of Anoka’s Halloween celebration: parade day. A carnival, 5K race, and more lead up to the start of the parade.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
The Grand Day Parade is an Anoka tradition - and the largest parade in the entire state!
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
It features many incredible floats made by members of the community.
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
There will even be a special flyover by the T-6 Thunder.
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
If you don’t make it to Anoka for any other Halloween festivities, Grand Day Parade is the one you don’t want to miss!
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
All in all, Anoka Halloween is a fantastic 100-year-old tradition that Minnesota is lucky to have. Click here to find out how to experience the festivities for yourself.
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
Have you ever attended any Anoka Halloween celebrations? Do you plan on going to Grand Day Parade this year? Let us know in the comment!
123dieinafire/Wikimedia Commons
Brett Whaley/Flickr
City of Anoka, Minnesota/Facebook
Anoka Halloween, Inc./Facebook
Anoka County Historical Society/Facebook
Anoka Haunted House/Facebook
Public Information Office/Flickr
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