Patch Guide to Annandale Fall Festival 2012

Thousands of Annandale and Fairfax County residents and visitors to the area will take over downtown Annandale on Saturday, Oct. 27 for the annual Annandale Fall Festival and Parade.

To help you and your family plan how you'll spend your time at the festival (if you're planning to attend), Patch has put together and a quick and easy guide with everything you need to know for Saturday.

WHAT: The 2012 Annandale Fall Festival and Parade, sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce

Fun fact: The 2012 Annandale Fall Festival and Parade is a 62-year-old tradition, according to the Chamber.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Safeway, 7414 Little River Turnpike

HEADLINE EVENT: Country singer Tory Bailey will again headline the festival and take the stage at 3 p.m. Watch video of Bailey at last year's festival on Annandale Patch.

The Parade

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Annandale High School and other organizations such as the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, international dancers and more will march in the parade Columbia Pike, Maple Place, and Markham Streets.

The parade is the essential kickoff party for the fall festival. Sure, there will be plenty of things to do near Safeway at 10 a.m., but you can't watch your local politicians drive by in the same space as clowns and antique cars anywhere else but the parade.

If you plan on swinging by the Annandale Shopping Center, your best bet is to enter from Gallows Road until the parade's finished.

To learn more about the parade, read the Annandale Chamber of Commerce's latest blog post.

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 cloudy.

Parking

Just like last year, all parking for the festival will be in the parking lot of the AMF Annandale Lanes bowling alley.

Tip: Avoid residential parking lots such as the Parliaments or nearby shopping centers. Tow trucks may tow your vehicle. Search sidestreets nearby instead. as 

Non-festivalgoers should anticipate not having access to Columbia Pike from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Streets such as Evergreen Lane, Tom Davis Drive from John Marr, and other nearby streets if driving.

Entertainment

See our preview of the entertainment at this year's festival here.

Food

See our preview of the food and vendors at this year's festival here.

Photos from the 2011 Annandale Fall Festival and Parade on Annandale Patch:

• Photo Gallery: Over 90 photos from last year's Annandale Parade
• Photo Gallery: 2011 Festival Activities
• Photo Gallery: A collection of photos from the 2011 parade submitted by readers

Check Annandale Patch on Friday for our preview of the food vendors and other activities.