Finalists Announced in Decorating Contest Part of 20th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade Festivities
The Del Ray Halloween Parade Committee released the list of the ten finalists for the 2016 Best Decorated House award. All the houses are located in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria:
A Google Map with all the nominees is available at http://tinyurl.com/delrayhalloweenhouses
The winner of the Best Decorated House Contest will be announced at the awards ceremony following the 20th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 30. The 2016 Best Decorated House contest will be judged by former Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and former state Delegate Rob Krupicka and his daughters. The contest is sponsored by Jen Walker, The Realtor for Del Ray and beyond!, of McEnearney Associates.
Two houses, located at 210 E. Monroe Ave., and 311 Clifford Avenue, are in the Del Ray Halloween Hall of Fame after winning the award multiple years.
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, the 20th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade takes place along Mount Vernon Avenue; it begins at E. Bellefonte Ave., ends with a party at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center fields featuring live music, goodie bags for children, free refreshments, children’s games, awards for Best Decorated Stroller, House, Business & Best Pet Costume, and more. The event is free and open to all.
Last year’s parade had more than 7,500 participants, which included over 2,500 children, special dignitaries and elected officials. Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshall is Berhaane Wobante, an outstanding student selected to represent Cora Kelly School for Science, Technology, and Math.
Among the events on the day’s program:
- Pet Costume Contest and Stroller Decorating Contest: Registration for the Pet Costume Contest and Stroller Competition will be done prior to the parade start. Stroller and pet entries must register by 1:30 p.m.at the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Howell Avenues; look for signage. Once registered, strollers will line up on Howell to be judged prior to the parade. Pets will be judged immediately at the end of the parade route. There is no fee to register. For complete details and categories, visit visitdelray.com/halloween
- Spooky Bean Halloween Haunted Graveyard: After the parade from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., families can enjoy the Spooky Bean Haunted Halloween Graveyard, constructed by Bean Creative. This is a free event and appropriate for all ages, located in the 2200 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. Donations are accepted at the gate to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
- Costumes for Children In Need: The Del Ray Business Association collects and distributes Halloween costumes for children who would otherwise go without. New or gently used costumes can be dropped off at collection bins at the Del Ray Farmers Market, Caboose Cafe, and the porch at 110 E. Del Ray. Costumes are distributed the day before the parade from 2-4 p.m.at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. In 2015, over 200 costumes were distributed.
Held each year on the Sunday before Halloween, the Del Ray Halloween Parade is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, which represents the independently-owned shops, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com/halloween
