The Alexandria Police Department is advising residents and visitors to plan ahead for road closures on Sunday as the Del Ray neighborhood hosts its annual Halloween Parade.
Mt. Vernon Avenue will begin closing in stages starting at 12:30 p.m. for the popular community event, which draws families from across the region to watch costumed children and their families parade through the heart of Del Ray.
According to APD’s social media announcement posted Saturday morning, the closures will occur in two phases:
12:30 p.m. – Mt. Vernon Avenue will close between E. Howell Avenue (with the 100 block of E. Howell also closed) and Windsor Avenue.
1:15 p.m. – The full parade route will close along Mt. Vernon Avenue between Monroe Avenue and Hume Avenue. Monroe Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue will remain open to allow cross-traffic.
Roads are expected to reopen between 3:30 and 4 p.m., once the parade concludes and it’s safe to do so. Police are urging drivers to expect delays throughout the Del Ray area during the afternoon and to consider alternate routes if traveling through the neighborhood.
The 29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. Sunday, beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue and proceeding south along Mount Vernon Avenue, according to the Del Ray Business Association. Children, pets, and participants with decorated strollers are invited to march and show off their costumes in the parade, which USA Today has recognized as one of the 10 best Halloween parades in the country. The parade concludes with live music and an award presentation at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center field.
Several contests will take place before and during the parade. Stroller/Group Contest registration begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Howell avenues. All strollers must be registered by 1:30 p.m. and will be judged before the parade starts. Categories include Creative, Humorous, Best Group or Family, Less is More, and Overall. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. The contest is sponsored by Daniela Spigai & Jordan Beck, Advisory at Compass.
Pet Costume Contest entries must also register by 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Vernon and E. Howell avenues. Pets will be judged at the end of the parade route. Categories include Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me?, and Vola Lawson Best of Show. Your Dog’s Best Friends/The Dog Store is sponsoring the contest.
The neighborhood’s tradition of elaborate decorations continues with contests for Best Decorated House and Business, sponsored by The Jen Walker Team. Residents can view a map of finalists and vote for the People’s Choice Award on the DRBA website.
The Del Ray Business Association is seeking volunteers to help with setup, parade guidance, and cleanup for the event.
