Halloween Frolic and Parade

Oldest Parade in the Nation! The Halloween Frolic has been held annually on or around October 31st since 1914.

In 1914, Mrs. John Krebs held a party for the Hiawatha children. In those first years, the youngsters dressed in costume and decorated their trikes and wagons….the first “floats”. She entertained with awards and cookies for the little GHOSTS AND GOBLINS. Mrs. Krebs started a tradition that has been expanded on to include two big parades, numerous contests with trophies and cash prizes, and a Halloween Queen contest.

The Kiddie Parade in the afternoon starts with hundreds of youngsters in costume. Prizes are awarded for best costumes, decorated bikes, trikes, wagons, family floats, small motorized vehicles and horses.

The Grand Parade in the evening includes dignitaries such as the Governor of Kansas and other distinguished political leaders. High school bands, floats, horses, Shrine units and the ever-present natives in costume make the night parade something very special and the OLDEST IN THE NATION!

There is no parade entry fee and everyone is welcome to participate. Entry forms are available from the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce, 801 Oregon, (785) 742-7136.