Annandale Fall Festival 2011 Preview: The Parade

The 2011 Annandale Fall Festival and Parade, sponsored by the is on Saturday, Oct. 22. To help you and your family plan how to best spend your time at the festival, Annandale Patch will run daily previews of the festival activities Tuesday, Oct. 18 through Thursday, Oct. 20, ending with a guide on Friday, Oct. 21. Read on below to learn more about the Annandale Parade, which is the kick off to Saturday’s festival.

What:

When: Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m.

Where: Columbia Pike/Maple Place/Markham Street

The Annandale Parade has been a tradition in the community since 1950 and draws hundreds of families and residents of all ages. If you walk by or stop in , you can view a photo of the 1962 Annandale Parade.

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The parade route begins at , which sits just above the intersection of Columbia Pike and Gallows Road, and marches down Columbia Pike past the and the toward Backlick Road and the Annandale Cannon. The route then heads down Maple Place, takes a right onto Annandale Road, and then a left onto Markham Street to march down near , where the parade will end at 12 p.m. The festival grounds are across the street in the parking lot in the Little River Shopping Center.

Parade participants this year will include members of the Fairfax County Police Department, marching bands from and , scout troops, local banks and businesses, clowns, storybook characters from Osmar Magic (including some from Star Wars!), Shriner's mini cars, and others.

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Although the Annandale Chamber of Commerce does not endorse politicians, local representatives will also have floats in this year’s parade. Some participants include Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th), Mason District Supervisor , David Feld, who is challenging Gross for the Mason District Supervisor seat on the Board of Supervisors, Sen. , who represents the 35th Senate District, his Republican challenger Robert Sarvis, Mason District School Board member Sandy Evans, and more.

Jeffrey Levine of Levine Studios and winner of the chamber’s , is this year’s Grand Marshal while Bob Reuss will once again serve as the parade announcer. Representatives from the Annandale Women’s Club will serve as judges for this year’s parade.

Best Viewing Spots: Every parade participate is introduced to the crowd once they reach the stage, so if you want to be in the middle of the action, you want to be near the driveway of the or near the intersection of Columbia Pike and Annandale Center Drive [see map at right]. Word of advice: get there early!

If you’re looking to get photos away from the crowd or you’re not a fan of crowds in general, stick to Maple Place or Annandale Road. 

Tip for parents: The encourages children to dress up in their Halloween costumes, so if your child has been begging you to let them wear it around the house, let them show it off on Saturday!

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