Visit the animals at the Taste of Annandale

For the first time ever, the Taste of Annandale will have a petting zoo.

Squeals on Wheels, a family-owned business based in Maryland, is bringing two alpacas, a miniature goat, and a variety of smaller animals.

The Taste of Annandale, a community festival, is happening Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike, in Annandale. The petting zoo will be available 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Another new feature is an eating contest. Participants will test their eating skills by seeing who can wolf down a bahn mi sandwich the fastest.

Also new this year, the 5K race will be held entirely in Mason District Park, just before the start of the festival.

Related story: Sign up for the Taste of Annandale 5K

As in past years, the Taste of Annandale will have multiple food vendors, all-day live entertainment, children’s programming, a pet parade and costume contest, a police vs. firefighters chili cook-off, and many booths hosted by businesses, nonprofits, and crafters.