Your Guide to the 2011 Annandale Fall Festival and Parade

Annandale Patch is at the Annandale Fall Festival today until 3 p.m. Our tent is right next to the stage and we have free water bottles, balloons, candy and more. Stop by and say hi!

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The biggest celebration of everything Annandale kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 22. Here's your guide to the festival and everything you need to know to join the fun.

WHAT: The 2011 Annandale Fall Festival and Parade, sponsored by the

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: , 7414 Little River Turnpike

Where can I park?: All parking for the festival will be in the parking lot of the bowling alley. Other parking may be found on side streets nearby. Festivalgoers are strongly encouraged to avoid residential parking lots such as the Parliaments or shopping centers as these places may tow vehicles.

Due to the , which is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. down Columbia Pike, Maple Place, and Markham Streets in Annandale, all lanes on those streets will be blocked off beginning at 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Avoid shortcuts down Evergreen Lane, Annandale Center Drive from John Marr, and others if driving.

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If you plan on shopping at or other stores in the , your best bet is to enter from Gallows Road until the parade's finished.

What should I bring?: Your family, friends, some cash in case a vendor does not accept debit or credit cards, and maybe a light sweater or coat. The high temperature for Saturday is in the early-to-mid 60s and it will be partly cloudy.

I know about the parade and the entertainment, but what else is going on?: Following the parade, all of the festival activities will be in the parking lot of the in the Little River Run Shopping Center. While the layout is pretty straight forward, the Chamber has grouped much of the activities into zones. There are a total of three: the Community Market, the Food and Entertainment Zone, and the Kids Zone.

The Community Market zone is where you can find all of the local merchants who will be featured at the festival. To learn more about who they are, .

Also located in the Community Market is the Secret Garden. In the Secret Garden, or the Enchanted Reading Garden, will be the Children's Reading Tent and Puppet Theatre. Decorated by Campbell and Ferrara Outdoor Living and Nursery, this is zone all parents will want to stop by at least once. The Traveling Storyteller Denise Langhorne will perform four stories, two at 12 p.m. and two at 2 p.m. and the Bob Brown Puppet Show will have performances at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Food and Entertainment zone is where festival goers can find exactly what the name implies: food and entertainment. All of the can be found here along with the main festival stage. All of the performances during the festival will be on the main stage, including the headline show from country artist Tory Bailey. To see the full lineup of who's scheduled to perform, .

The Kids Zone is where both little and big kids alike can find something to do. There will be a toddler play area, bubble booth, and inflatables for the younger children. There will also be a rock climbing wall and bungee jump for the adventurous type. For those with a creative side, consider exploring the interactive crafts area or check out the model cars that will be on display.

Annandale Patch will have a booth at the festival near the stage. Stop by, say hello, and pick up FREE goodies!