Annandale shows off at annual parade
The Annandale Parade on Oct. 26 featured some great costumes – among the spectators, as well as the participants.
As the parade passed along Columbia Pike, parade-goers handed out candy to children, many of them offering a preview of their Halloween costumes.
An Annandale tradition for the past 74 years, the parade is organized by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event honored “all the incredible educators who are dedicated to the success of every child in their schools and classrooms.”
The Grand Marshals were Columbia Elementary School Principal Mike Astudillo and Columbia second-grade teacher Shea Hestmark, who was named by Fairfax County Public Schools as the 2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher.
Here are some more fun looks from the parade:
2 responses to “Annandale shows off at annual parade”
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This was a great event, but the organizers forgot that education begins with early childhood education centers, and Annandale happens to have a nationally recognized program. Arguably, ACCA Child Development Center is a world-class organization. I have seen their work covered by The New York Times, AP, and many other major media outlets. Recognizing K-12 is wonderful but something must be done for ECE programs.
The Annandale Chamber of Commerce needs to invest some money to cover boarded-up storefronts across the street from the fire station ln the 7200 of Columbia Pike. The county supervisor should also help. Here’s a crazy idea. Why not use construction wrap that can be printed with some nice looking scenery of Annandale or a welcome message. We all know it’s going to take forever to redevelop the location. In the meantime, it could look somewhat decent, at the very least.