Del Ray Halloween Parade Returns Sunday

Get ready for an afternoon of fright and fun, Alexandria, because the Del Ray Halloween Parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.

The parade will run along Mount Vernon Avenue between Bellefonte Avenue and the playing fields at Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Organizers with the Del Ray Business Association are expecting as many as 5,000 participants this year.

Last year’s parade was canceled because of Superstorm Sandy.

Costumed children, adults, strollers and pets are all invited to march this year.

Along with the procession, the DRBA is organizing competitions for best pet costume and best-decorated stroller.

To enter the stroller competition, contestants must register by 1:30 p.m. before the start of the parade near the corner of E. Howell and Mount Vernon avenues. Judging will be performed prior to the parade this year. Prizes will be award in a variety of categories. 

Registration for the pet costume competition will begin at 1:30 p.m. just south of the corner of E. Howell and Mount Vernon.

There is no registration for children and families that march in the parade. Those participating should gather on Mount Vernon Avenue south of Bellefonte Avenue prior to 2 p.m. 

After the parade, there will be a brief ceremony near the rec center playing fields to announce the costume competition winners and the selections of the best-decorated homes and best-decorated businesses in Del Ray.

The T.C. Williams marching band will once again participate in the parade as a zombie band and will lead the cleanup efforts.

After the parade, families can enjoy the free Spooky Bean Halloween Haunted Graveyard constructed by Bean Creative from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The graveyard will be located in the vacant lot near the corner of Mount Vernon and E. Del Ray avenues.