Annandale Parade and Fall Festival set for Oct. 26
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| Columbia Pike, the parade route. |
Annandale’s biggest annual event—the pre-Halloween parade and fall festival—is less than three weeks away.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, beginning at 10 a.m., high school bands, fantastically costumed Bolivian dancers, antique cars, Scouts, fire trucks, kids in Halloween costumes, waving politicians, and much, much more will travel down Columbia Pike, beginning at the historic white church near Gallows Road.
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| Guidi (photo by Tony Ruth) |
The parade will turn left on Annandale Road, head up Markham Street, and end at the Safeway parking lot, where the Annandale Fall Festival will be under way.
The grand marshal of the 63rd annual Annandale Parade will be Vincent
(Vince) Guidi, a true Annandale original. Guidi, who celebrated his 90th
birthday May 13, has been with the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department
(AVFD) since 1944. In 1949, he was hired as one of the first paid
firefighters in Fairfax County (His salary that year was $2,520.) A
lifelong Annandale resident, he retired in 1978 but still attends
monthly AVFD meetings.
The Annandale Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors both the parade and festival, predicts the crowd will exceed 10,000. The registration deadline for getting into the parade is Friday, Oct. 11.
The festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., features live musical entertainment (rock, country, jazz, and dance); kids’ games and rides; magic and puppet shows; storytelling in the Secret Garden; and a world of food—featuring the cuisines of Thailand, Nigeria, Greece, Italy, the Caribbean, Japan, and more, as well American favorites like barbecue and kettle corn.
More than 100 vendors will offer a broad range of items, such as handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, toys, and pet items. Also on hand: antique and classic cars, fire trucks, a racing car, and displays from community organizations.
Festival parking is available at the bowling alley on Markam Street and the Annandale Swim & Tennis Club at 7530 Little River Turnpike.
3 responses to “Annandale Parade and Fall Festival set for Oct. 26”
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I love the Annandale parade every year. One thing I would love to know is why there is no involvement from the Korean business community in the parade. Korean people and businesses are a huge part of Annandale and frankly give our community an identity. But there is nothing about Korean heritage, food, or otherwise at the parade every year, and the parade is Annandale's biggest event of the year.
Perhaps your suggestion could be passed along to the Korean Business Association. Seem to recall they participated en masse (in suits!) maybe ten years ago…
I rode at 8 during the end of Vince's career. At 90, he looks like he can still ride.