self-proclaimed: decided or claimed (a title) on one’s own
sponsor: to support a person or cause with funding or assistance
deter: to prevent
vandalize: to purposely cause damage to property
kick off: to start something
festivities: celebrations and activities related to a holiday or event
spot: to see or suddenly notice someone or something
The Halloween Capital Of The World
The Midwestern town of Anoka, Minnesota is the self-proclaimed Halloween capital of the world. Anoka was one of the first cities in the US to organize a formal Halloween celebration. The city-sponsored parade was scheduled as a way to deter troublemakers from vandalizing the town and playing cruel tricks. Residents kick off the week-long celebration with the Pumpkin Bowl, a match between Anoka’s high school football team and a local rival. Several Halloween-themed events take place throughout the week, including the Big Parade of Little People, the Grand Parade, and the 5K Gray Ghost run. The Gray Ghost run was named after Bill Andberg, a local world-class runner who was often spotted running through an Anoka cemetery in a grey sweatsuit.
