Halloween Parade In Vienna: Things To Know (ICYMI)

VIENNA, VA—Vienna's Halloween Parade will mark 71st anniversary Wednesday, Oct 25 at 7 p.m. The parade runs along Maple Avenue, drawing participation from local organizations and even some scary ghosts and monsters. This year's parade theme is "The Great Outdoors."

The deadline for registration closed for organizations, but kids are welcome to show up in costumes and walk in the parade. Kids accompanied by an adult should meet at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at United Bank (374 Maple Avenue East).

This year’s parade grand marshal is Joanie Dempsey, a volunteer for more than 25 years with the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary.

The Town Council will give out awards for best floats in November. Participants are competing for awards in a number of categories:

• Youth band
• Float with music
• Youth performer
• Antique/classic vehicle
• Adult band
• Float without music
• Adult performer

Maple Avenue will be closed between Lawyers Road NW and East Street SE, along with a number of side streets. See the map to find detours (streets highlighted in pink).

All are welcome to attend, but the town urges spectators to follow a number of rules the day of the parade:

• Do not place any items on Maple Avenue before noon the day of the parade.
• When placing items, do not put them in bus shelters as they need to be clear for bus users during the day. Items placed in bus shelters before 5 p.m. may be moved for the safety of bus users.
• Keep items off sidewalks and benches so that pedestrians can walk and use the benches without having to move or walk over items.
• Secure items to ensure that weather conditions do not cause them to blow into the roadway or sidewalks.

It's shaping up to be a crisp fall night, with temperatures staying in the 50s and 60s. Better yet, there's next to no chance of rain.

See more information on the parade here.

After the parade, submit your photos to the Vienna Patch editor emily.leayman@patch.com.

Images via Town of Vienna