[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2210-E2211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ANOKA, MINNESOTA, AS THE HALLOWEEN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
city of Anoka, Minnesota, as the ``Halloween Capital of the World.'' 
Anoka has been holding Halloween festivities since 1920, when a group 
of business and civic leaders suggested the idea of

[[Page E2211]]

a celebration to deter old-time Halloween pranks. The community planned 
a night parade that featured children in costume marching along with 
members of the fire department, Kiwanis Club, Commercial Club and the 
National Guard.
  Anoka first called itself the ``Halloween Capital of the World'' in 
1937, with a proclamation carried to Washington, D.C. by 12 year-old 
Anoka resident, Harold Blair. Since the first celebration, the 
festivities have expanded to include card parties, bingo, a 5K Grey 
Ghost Run and a parade that is the second largest in the state. This 
year's celebration marks the 81st annual festival and was bigger and 
better than ever.
  I would like to congratulate and thank the city of Anoka, the more 
than 30 volunteers and all who work to make the Anoka Halloween 
celebration a yearly success and a family event for everyone to enjoy.

                          ____________________