In St. Louis, Trick-or-Treaters Have to Put in Extra Effort for Their Treats

By: Jamie Collins
Updated: Oct. 11, 2021
Originally Published: Oct. 8, 2021

I reside in St. Louis, Missouri, where our local pride is Nelly and the Cardinals reign supreme. We boast famous local eats like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake, not to mention Imo’s pizza with its distinctive provel cheese. Halloween here is a grand affair, unlike anywhere else. Trick-or-treating isn’t just a simple walk around the neighborhood; it’s a full-fledged performance.

In my hometown, Halloween is as much about entertainment as it is about candy. To earn a sweet treat in STL, children must tell a joke. They better bring their best material because the competition is fierce. Kids spend just as much time planning their trick-or-treating jokes as they do their costumes. No two kids in a group can use the same joke, and each one is usually funnier than the last.

Forget about recycling old pop culture jokes or using the classic “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Adults expect to be entertained. And trust me, there’s nothing more delightful than a child at your door improvising a joke or nervously repeating an older sibling’s punchline. It’s a wonderful sight.

Sometimes, jokes don’t land as expected. Adults will still chuckle and hand over a candy bar or two, but kids can be more discerning. One year, my nephew, who was about four at the time, didn’t like a joke he heard. Instead of giving a quick treat, he dove elbow-deep into the kid’s candy bucket and grabbed a handful! It’s one of my favorite Halloween memories. (Don’t worry, the child got his candy back, plus a few extras for his trouble.)

Occasionally, kids cross into “inappropriate” territory with their jokes, often due to sheer ignorance or peer pressure. My son became a neighborhood legend at seven after being convinced by his older brothers to tell a questionable joke.

What Kinds of Jokes Can You Expect?

The variety is vast. Some kids stick to knock-knock jokes, while others prefer spooky themes. Here are a few of my favorites from over the years:

What do you call a bear with no teeth? Gummy.
A ham sandwich walks into a bar. Bartender says, “Sorry, pal, we don’t serve food here.”
How do you make a Kleenex dance? Put a little boogie in it.
Knock knock. Who’s there? Interrupting cow. Interrupt—Mooooooo!
What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert? Boo-berry pie.
Did you hear about the haunted KFC? It was terr-i-fry-ing.
Why couldn’t the spicy pepper dress like Robin Hood for Halloween? He didn’t hab-an-ero.
What do you call a magic dog? A lab-ra-ca-dab-ra-dor.
Have you heard about the elephant with diarrhea? It’s all over town.

Corny? Yes. But watching a tiny witch or a scary monster give their best stand-up routine is truly heartwarming. I wish more people could experience this unique tradition because it’s incredible. Interestingly, my husband, who grew up just 30 minutes away, had never encountered this custom until he moved here. For me, Halloween wouldn’t feel right any other way.

The Origins of This Tradition

So, where did this tradition originate? It’s said to stem from the strong Irish community in St. Louis. According to local historian Dr. Sam Richards, over a century ago, people dressed up for a festival in Ireland, traveling from house to house in disguise, performing jokes or tricks to earn gifts that warded off evil spirits. The Irish brought this fun-filled tradition to St. Louis, weaving it into our Halloween celebrations.

Regardless of its origins, this is one of the most cherished customs of growing up in this city. It would be wonderful to see this tradition spread to other places, as it makes Halloween special and memorable for kids and adults alike. If you want to elevate your Halloween festivities this year, look no further than a good-hearted zinger from a child. Every city has its unique flavors and customs, but nothing beats our celebration on October 31st.

And if you’re looking to start a new tradition in your neighborhood this Halloween, here’s a classic that never fails to amuse:
How does Batman’s mom call him for dinner? Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner… Batmaaan!

For more engaging content, check out this other blog post that discusses different aspects of parenthood and family life. If you’re interested in exploring family planning resources, this site provides valuable insights on artificial insemination methods.

Search Queries:

In summary, St. Louis has a unique take on Halloween where kids earn their treats by performing jokes, creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. This tradition, rooted in Irish customs, adds a special flair to our celebrations, making it a cherished part of growing up in this vibrant city.