Del Ray Halloween Parade Canceled

The Del Ray Halloween Parade is canceled for the first time in its storied history.

The Del Ray Business Association announced the cancellation Friday morning after consulting with city officials about the looming Hurricane Sandy and the effects it could have on the area. The governor declared Virginia in a state of emergency on Friday morning in preparation for the Frankenstorm.

“After consultation with city officials and reviewing the potential for rain during parade times and strong winds and with our primary concern being for the safety and welfare of our neighbors and participants, the decision to cancel was reached,” said a statement from parade Co-chairs Gayle Reuter and Carol Bailey.

The parade was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

However, all is not lost. Several other related events are still happening:

• Distribution of Halloween costumes to those children who otherwise would go without still will take place Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
• Judging and awarding of prizes for the Best Decorated Home will take place. Look for announcements of the winners on the Visit Del Ray Facebook site, on listservs, on Del Ray Patch and in newspapers.
• Judging and Awarding of the Best Decorated Business will still take place and be awarded at the November Del Ray Business Association membership meeting.
• Parade organizers ask you to share photos of what would have been your entries in the Best Decorated Stroller or Best Pet Costume. Please share or post the on the Facebook site Visit Del Ray.

Please mark your calendar’s for next year’s parade: Oct. 27, 2013.