Saturday: Celebrate Community at Taste of Annandale

ANNANDALE, VA -- The public is invited to the Taste of Annandale, a family-friendly festival Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., on Tom Davis Drive in the heart of Annandale.

The first Taste of Annandale, in June 2015, was a huge success, attracting thousands of people, and this year’s festival will be bigger and better, organizers say.

There will be food from a variety of local vendors, live music and dance, a chili cook-off pitting the police against firefighters, and a children’s corner with a full schedule of activities. There is no charge to attend.

The day will start with a 5K Race at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1, with the winners announced at the Taste of Annandale opening ceremony. Click here for more information about the 5K and to register online.

Restaurants and food trucks will be on hand showcasing the cuisines of Peru, Ethiopia, Korea, the Middle East, India, the Southern U.S., and more. Don’t miss the Peruvian Brothers food truck, which is co-owned by an Olympic athlete.

Among the performers is the extraordinary Monarca in Flight aerial dance troupe. Other musicians and dancers are showcasing the cultures of the South Pacific, India, and China, as well as various American traditions.

The purpose of the Taste of Annandale is to encourage community engagement, celebrate Annandale’s diversity, and shine a spotlight on local restaurants and businesses.

The festival is organized by the Annandale Roundtable, a group of private/public stakeholders and community residents. Revenue generated by the event will benefit a fund to support youth-led projects in Annandale.

The Taste of Annandale Steering Committee includes local residents from the public and private sectors. It is chaired by Rev. Clarence Brown, senior pastor of Annandale United Methodist Church. The honorary chair is Rep. Gerry Connolly.

The sponsors include the Rotary Club of Annandale, Annandale United Methodist Church, ACCA Child Development Center, Burke and Herbert Bank, the Westminster School, Bill Page Honda, the Parliament Apartment Homes, and Steve McIlvaine Home Sales.

For more information about the Taste of Annandale, contact Ellie Ashford, 571-243-4364. Visit the Taste of Annandale website and Facebook page for updates on the schedule of activities.

PHOTO from first annual event courtesy of organizers