Celebrate community at the Taste of Annandale Oct. 13

Ready for some fun? The fourth annual Taste of Annandale is Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., along Tom Davis Drive in the heart of Annandale, Va.

This family-friendly and pet-friendly event features live music and dance, a 5K race, a best-dressed pet contest, a chili cook-off, a full-program of children’s entertainment – and, of course, plenty of food reflecting the diverse cultures of the community.

There is no charge to attend.

Here are some highlights:

• For the first time, the Taste of Annandale is having beer sales. Audacious Aleworks of Falls Church will be selling some of its most popular craft beers.
• The certified 5K Race will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Kmart parking lot, at 4251 John Marr Drive. Runners can register online. The course heads along Columbia Pike and through Mason District Park.
• There will be a full day of continuous children’s programming (puppet shows, costumed characters, live music, crafts, and more) hosted by the Annandale Christian Community for Action’s Child Development Center.
• The pet contest, hosted by Chico’s Natural Pet Market, will feature the best-dressed pets of Annandale and beyond. The judges will select the pet with the best Halloween costume, the most creatively dressed pet, and the best duo or group. It’s not just for dogs; any pet can participate. The winners will take home prizes from Chico’s.
• The entertainment schedule hasn’t been finalized, but so far, the lineup includes Capoeira Candeias (a sport/dance performance from Brazil, the Blue Book Value Bank, Shannon Dunne (Irish dance), Jake Sizemore (singer), Kofi Dennis & Friends (Djembe drumming), NOVA Wushu Academy (martial arts), the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, and the 7 Step Hand Dance Academy.
• When it comes to food at the Taste of Annandale, festival-goers will have a choice of food options from Peru, Korea, Vietnam, China, and the Middle East, plus American BBQ.
• There will also be a photo booth, mini-demonstration park sponsored by the Fairfax County Office of Community Revitalization, a law enforcement display sponsored by Communities of Trust, remarks by local elected leaders, and vendors.

The Taste of Annandale couldn’t happen without the generous support of our sponsors. The Gold-level sponsors include: ACCA Child Development Center, Annandale Blog, Annandale Rotary Club, Annandale United Methodist Church, Audacious Aleworks, the Center for Dentofacial Aesthetics, Chico’s Natural Pet Market, The Couts Group/Coldwell Banker, Herl’s Bath & Tile Solutions, the Korean American Chamber of Commerce, and Landmark HHH Inc.

The Taste of Annandale was organized by a volunteer group of local stakeholders with the goal of encouraging community engagement, celebrating Annandale’s diversity, and shining a spotlight on local businesses and organizations.

Visit the Taste of Annandale website and Facebook page for more information.