Pirate Display Strikes Gold In Del Ray's Best Decorated House Contest

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Amid the Del Ray Halloween Parade festivities, winners of the 2023 Best Decorated Halloween Houses were named.

The Del Ray Business Association hosted the contest for homes as well as a separate contest for businesses. Nominations were announced last Wednesday, and the public could vote for their favorite. Over 1,200 neighbors voted in the people's choice award. Judges who decided awards included Rob Krupicka, Dana Lawhorne and their families.

The people's choice winner was 3001 Russell Road, also known as Pirates Revenge on Russell Road. The display also won the second place judges' award. Owner Colleen Gehrig, who submitted her display for Patch's Northern Virginia Halloween display guide, wanted to bring back a neighborhood favorite.

"For years Russell Road had a home do a fabulous pirate display," Gehrig said. "We decided to do our best to bring pirates back to Russell Road this year!"

The display is open through Nov. 5. Lights and electronic features are turned on nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors are asked to view the display from the sidewalk.

Other winners of the Best Decorated Halloween House contest were:

Judges' award

• 1st place: 414 E. Nelson Ave.
• 3rd place: 104 W. Monroe Ave.
• Honorable mention: 4 W. Custis Ave.
• Honorable mention: 950 Hickory Street

In the final days of October, take a stroll around the neighborhood to see these displays. See a map of all nominees here.