Del Ray Halloween Parade 2018: Route, Contests, More

ALEXANDRIA, VA—There's nothing better to kick off Halloween week than the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. Families and their furry friends alike are invited to the parade on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. The event typically draws around 7,500 people and is free to attend.

The parade route starts at Mt. Vernon Avenue, south of East Bellefonte Avenue and continues up to the Mount Vernon Recreational Center play fields at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets, and strollers in costumes can march in the parade while wearing their spooky Halloween costumes. Last year, 2,500 children, 50 pets, 25 decorated strollers, as well as special dignitaries and elected officials participated.

Following the parade are the awards Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home, and Best Decorated Stroller. There is no fee to enter. Elected officials and city dignitaries will be the judges.

Those registering for the Pet Costume Contest and Stroller Competition Stroller must register by 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and East Howell Avenues. Once registered, strollers will line up on Howell to be judged prior to the parade. Pets will be judged immediately at the end of the parade route.

Pet costume categories include: Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me? and Vola Lawson Best of Show. Stroller competition categories include: Creative, Humorous, Best Group or Family, Less is More, and Overall.

Nominations for Best Decorated House and Best Decorated Business must be submitted by Sunday, Oct. 21, at noon. To nominate a home or business, email the street addresses to delrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.com and note if it should be judged during the day or night.

Following the parade, children will receive goodie bags (including healthy options without candy) and have Goblin Games and other activities. Refreshments include hot dogs from 7-Eleven, apple cider and cookies. Mars Rodeo will provide the live music. In addition, Bean Creative Field will host Spooky Bean Halloween from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association with additional sponsorship from local businesses. For more information on the parade, contests and other details, visit www.visitdelray.com/halloween.

Image via C. Mouledoux/Visit Alexandria