Kids trick-or-treat on Halloween in Des Moines, for the first time since 1938

For the first time since 1938, children in Iowa's capital city will go trick-or-treating on Halloween.

The city of Des Moines began a tradition known as “Beggars' Night” 86 years ago, usually held the night before All Hallows' Day. according to the State Historical Society of Iowa. Children still go door to door to get candy, but they tell a joke to get candy.

This year, city officials postponed the usual celebrations by a day after severe thunderstorms were forecast in the area on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Now kids in Des Moines can go trick-or-treating on the same night as everyone else.

Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte said “the safety of our residents, families and children is always our top priority,” which “led to the change” this year, according to the Associated Press.

“Don’t worry, this scary weather won’t spoil our fun,” city officials added in a post on Facebook.

According to the historical society, Beggar's Night began in the late 1930s in response to vandalism caused by youths on Halloween night.

On Halloween, before the tradition was instituted, “Des Moines police responded to 550 reports of vandalism involving juveniles and juveniles” who engaged in activities such as “soaping windows, shutting down streetcars, setting fires, and throwing bricks through windows.” throw”.

Never miss a story again — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In just a few years, the number of Halloween-related calls to police has been “halved,” according to the Historical Society.

According to ABC affiliate WOI-DT, begging nights also take place in cities like Buffalo, NY and Columbus, Ohio.

The goal of Beggars' Night, according to city officials, is to “provide a safe and festive trick-or-treating experience for the children and families of Des Moines.”

Safety was also a focus when relocating this year's celebrations.

“Given the potential for a dangerous situation to occur due to lightning strikes, we just thought it would be in everyone's best interest to let families know as early as possible so they can arrange their schedules,” Matt Anderson said , the deputy city manager for Des Moines, according to WOI-DT.

Debbie Westphal Swander, a costume shop owner in West Des Moines, told AP: “For me, it's all about the kids. That’s the most important thing.”