By Maureen Schweers
Alexandria, VA – With a parade, house decorating contests, and a new haunted house at Duncan Library, Halloween is Del Ray’s biggest holiday. Here are five ways to celebrate:
- The Del Ray Halloween Parade: The main event — the 28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade — takes place on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue. The parade, named of the 10 Best Halloween Parades by USA Today, starts at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues and ends with a family-friendly party at the Mount Vernon Recreation fields. Thanks to the Del Ray Business Association, The Jen Walker Team, Your Dogs Best Friends, and the Homes of Alexandria Team of Compass for sponsoring this event!
- Show Off Your Creativity: The elaborate entries in the Del Ray Halloween Parade’s annual stroller contest rival the creativity and design of parade floats — and are often a family-wide or even block-wide effort. And in a neighborhood where pets are family, it wouldn’t be Halloween in Del Ray without a pet costume contest. Entrants for both contests should check-in at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues by 1:30 p.m.; strollers will be judged before the parade, and pets will be judged at the end of the parade route.
- Get In The Spirit: For over 30 years, local residents and businesses have gone all out decorating for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for best decorated house and business. Get in the Halloween spirit by visiting the top ten house nominees and hand-painted Halloween windows in businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue; maps will be available the week before the parade. Note: Nominations for the Best Decorated House Contest must be received by 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20; complete details on entering are available at visitdelray.com.
- Give Back: Help ensure that each child in our community has a happy Halloween. The Del Ray Business Association is partnering directly with local non-profit organizations serving children, giving community members the opportunity to purchase a costume for a child in need. To make a donation, visit visitdelray.com.
5: Tales of Terror: Join the Del Ray Citizens Association as they take over the Duncan Library and host a family-friendly Haunted House right after the Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free, but donations to the library are appreciated.
BONUS! Select Del Ray restaurants will participate in a Del Ray Day of the Dead celebration featuring food & drink specials, swag, and more. Follow @visitdelray on Facebook and Instagram for more details!
Halloween in Del Ray is presented by the Del Ray Business Association. For complete details — including how to enter the best decorated house or stroller and pet costume contests – go to www.visitdelray.com.
ICYMI: Enjoy Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day in Alexandria Oct. 12
