Del Ray Halloween Parade Named One Of Best In U.S.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Between dogs dressed up for the "How Could You Do This To Me?" contest and houses decked out in their spooky best, the Del Ray Halloween Parade offers a local favorite for family fun each October. The local parade also gained some national recognition as one of the best in the U.S.

USA Today named the Del Ray Halloween Parade on its 10 Best Halloween Parades list. It ranked among the likes of the Village Halloween Parade in New York City, the Krewe of Boo! parade in New Orleans and Chicago's Arts in the Dark. DC area beachgoers may also recognize Rehoboth Beach's Sea Witch Festival on the list.

USA Today notes Del Ray's parade has been a tradition since 1996 and that all costumed participants can join the parade. Other highlights are the awards given out for the Stroller/Group contests and Pet Costume contest, as well as the best decorated house and business.

The ranking comes as Halloween festivities are underway in Del Ray leading up to the parade on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Nominees for best decorated house will soon be announced so the public can vote for their favorite.

The Stroller/Group Contest and Pet Costume Contest allow participants to register on the afternoon of the parade. The stroller and group contest will have registration from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Howell Avenues. Categories include Creative, Humorous, Best Group or Family, Less is More, and Overall. All participating strollers must be registered by 1:30 p.m. and will line up on E. Howell Avenue for judging before the parade. There is no fee to register.

Registration for the Pet Costume Contest will also happen before the parade, but judging will happen at the end of the parade route. Categories include Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me?, and Vola Lawson Best of Show. Participants should register by 1:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon and E. Howell Avenues. There is no fee to register.

There is also an ongoing Halloween scavenger hunt where residents can search for Halloween-themed items on Del Ray's decorated businesses and hand-painted windows. Scavenger hunt maps are available on the Del Ray Business Association website or from the witch at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. When completed maps are returned to the witch at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, four winners will be randomly chosen to win a $50 gift card to their favorite Del Ray business.