Del Ray Halloween Parade 2019: Route, Weather

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Nothing will get you into the spirit of the season like the Del Ray Halloween Parade. The 23rd annual parade will happen Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. The Del Ray Business Association announced Saturday the parade would go on with rain expected to end before 2 p.m. Additional volunteers are needed.

Children, pets, and strollers in costumes can march in the parade, which draws over 7,500 participants. The parade starts on Mount Vernon Avenue south of East Bellefonte Avenue and marches up to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues.

Awards are given for the best decorated pets and strollers. Pet categories include Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me? and Vola Lawson Best of Show. Stroller categories include Creative, Humorous, Best Group or Family, Less is More, and Overall.

To participate in a contest, register by 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and East Howell Avenues on parade day. Strollers will line up before the parade for judging, while pets will be judged immediately after the parade. There is no fee to participate. Last year, over 50 pets and 25 decorated strollers dressed in their Halloween best for the parade.

Best Decorated House and Business awards are also part of festivities. Nominations for must be submitted by noon on Sunday, Oct. 20. Nominate a home or business by emailing the street address to delrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.com and specify if it should be judged during the day or night.

After the parade, children can receive goodie bags (healthy options are available) at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields. Refreshments such as hot dogs, apple cider and cookies will be available. Children can partake in Goblin Games and activities, while Mars Rodeo will perform live.

The Halloween Parade needs volunteers to set up on Saturday and help with the parade on Sunday. See available positions and sign up here.

Costume donations are being collected for children in need. Costumes in larger sizes are needed. Drop off costumes at the box at East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues or 110 East Del Ray Avenue. Costumes will be distributed on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.

The parade is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association with sponsorship from the Jen Walker Team and other local businesses. For more information, visit visitdelray.com/halloween.