By Maureen Schweers
Superheroes, ghosts, goblins, the Alexandria City High School Zombie Band, and scores of decked-out strollers and pets in costume marched down Mount Vernon Avenue for the 29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Oct. 26.
A record number of marchers, cheered on by thousands lining Del Ray’s main street, was led by Mount Vernon Community School 5th Grader Linci Campos Cifuentes.
As part of the parade festivities, the Del Ray Business Association also hosted the Best Decorated Halloween House contest sponsored by The Jen Walker Team; a pet costume contest sponsored by Your Dog’s Best Friends & The Dog Store; a stroller/group contest sponsored by Daniela Spigai & Jordan Beck, Advisory at Compass; and a scavenger hunt of hand-painted Halloween windows along Mount Vernon Avenue sponsored by Kinneman Insurance.
THE DEL RAY DOCKET
NOW THROUGH NOV. 30
The Mini World: Small Works of Art Exhibit
Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
This art exhibit showcases tiny art – where each piece tells a story and proves that art knows no size limits.
NOV. 8, 15, 22, 29
Del Ray Farmers’ Market
The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Oxford & Mount Vernon Avenues
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, bread, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.
NOV. 8
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenues
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find your treasure! Visit over 75 vendors at the Wellness Junction lot at 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue, plus the Salvation Army Corps lot across the street, and the Magpie Reclamations lot on the 2200 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. For more information, visit www.delrayvintageflea.com.
NOV. 8
Gustave Art & Craft Market
Gustave Jardin, 2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discover local artists and creatives and savor Gustave’s Parisian specialties in this outdoor market, sponsored by Alexandria Celebrates Women and Coldwell Banker Realtor Maureen Clyne.
NOV. 11 Alexandria Veterans Day Ceremony Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue 1 p.m. The City of Alexandria and the Friends of Rocky Versace will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring posthumous Medal of Honor recipient Captain Rocky Versace, Alexandrians who died during the Vietnam War, and all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in attendance.
NOV. 27 50th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot Start/Finish line at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue
9 a.m. A Thanksgiving morning tradition! This fast, flat, USATF-certified 5-mile course through the heart of Del Ray is the Mid-Atlantic’s premiere Turkey Trot. Register at www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com. NOV. 29 Small Business Saturday Along Mount Vernon Avenue Shop small and shop local for the holidays with our locally owned, independent retailers in Del Ray. DEC. 7 Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Oxford & Mount Vernon Avenues
6 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with Del Ray’s tree and Menorah lighting. Participants are encouraged to bring toiletries for Carpenter’s Shelter and new, unwrapped toys for Operation Elf. Visit hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com.
