Des Moines has long held a special place in Halloween history, and this week the city made sure one of the women behind that legacy is never forgotten. A Des Moines park has been named in honor of Kathryn Krieg, who played a key role in starting the city’s cherished Beggars’ Night tradition, according to a report from KCCI.

Beggars’ Night — Des Moines’ distinctive twist on Halloween, in which children recite a joke or perform a trick in exchange for candy — has been a defining community ritual for generations of families across the metro. The tradition sets Des Moines apart from virtually every other city in the country, and Krieg’s contribution to launching it has earned her a lasting tribute in the form of a park bearing her name.

The dedication is a meaningful moment for a city that takes genuine pride in its neighborhoods and the people who shaped them. Naming a public green space after Krieg ensures that residents — young and old — will have a daily reminder of the community spirit and creativity that gave rise to one of Des Moines’ most beloved annual events.

The honor comes at a fitting time, with Halloween festivities in full swing across the Des Moines metro. Families throughout the area gathered this week to celebrate Beggars’ Night in the tradition that Krieg helped build, carrying forward a piece of local history that has been passed down through decades.

Park dedications like this one reflect something important about Des Moines: the community’s commitment to recognizing the everyday people whose ideas and energy make city life richer. Krieg’s story is a reminder that local traditions don’t appear out of thin air — they are born from the imagination and dedication of neighbors who care deeply about where they live.

As Des Moines families enjoy the parks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods that make this city special, the newly named space stands as a warm tribute to a woman whose contribution to community joy will be felt for generations to come.

Sources: KCCI