Photo Gallery: 15th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade

After Alexandria was graced with rare October snow on Saturday, the skies cleared Sunday and the sun brought steady light to the 15th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade.

While the temperatures remained cool, they didn't prevent the parade from being bigger than ever.

Event organizers said perhaps as many as 8,000 participated in the parade while many others watched on from the sidewalks of Mt. Vernon Avenue.

The slow procession toward contained an impressive variety of costumes, from little children dressed as Marvel superheroes and pirates to adults dressed as Lego men and Abe Lincoln zombies.

Strollers were transformed into construction equipment and teepees, while dogs were dressed as everything from pumpkins to Swiss army knives.

"This is my favorite event of the year," said Eric Nelson, president of the Del Ray Business Association and owner of . "It is just the cutest thing ever."

The event, presented free for all by the DRBA, ended with a presentation of prizes in categories for best costumes as well as business and home decorations.

In the competition for best-decorated stroller, a group of area families won for their "Just Hatched" wagon, where about a dozen babies were dressed as chicks and placed in a large egg carton. Some even napped during the parade route.

In the best pet costume category, an entry inspired by Disney's "The Lion King" took top honors.

and the were honored as the best-decorated businesses in Del Ray, while 1407 Russell Road won best-decorated home for its pirate-themed display (to see all the nominated homes, ).

The contests were judged by elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Jim Moran and Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. Winners received gift baskets from area businesses.

Enjoy our extensive photo gallery from the parade!