The 63rd Annual Vienna Halloween Parade, marked by 92 selected entries, steps off on Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. Grand Marshal of parade is former Vienna town councilwoman, Maud Robinson. A joint partnership of the Town of Vienna and the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce [VTRCC], the parade draws upwards of 35,000 spectators every year.

Community Service is this year’s theme. Robinson, a 50-year plus resident of Vienna and the widow of former Vienna mayor Charles Robinson, remains a dedicated community volunteer.



WHILE RECRUITING SPONSORS was more challenging this year than in the past, many local businesses stepped up to support this popular community event. Whole Foods sponsors the VIP tent.

The Redskins Marching Band, compliments of Air Treatment in Vienna, and Slapshot, the Washington Capitals’ mascot, courtesy of the Capitals, headline celebrity participants. “From the day he [Slapshot] came last year, he knew he’d be coming back,” said parade co-chair Rebecca Diamond of Rebecca Diamond Marketing in Vienna.

“Vienna residents have supported us for five decades,” said Kathryn Whitecotton of Air Treatment, the main entertainment sponsor. “We enjoy supporting the community.

“It’s our job as a Vienna community business. Our money needs to stay in the community.”



AS IS TRADITIONAL, the parade begins near Sun Trust Bank at Berry and marches down Maple Avenue to Center Street, passing the reviewing stand at the Vienna Town Green. Vienna American Legion Post 180 leads the parade with its honor guard.

From decorated floats and wailing fire engines and therapy horses to roaring Harley Davidson motorcycles and Kena Shriners in mini-cars, to antique vehicles, from ethnic dancers to modern dancers, pepped-up local high school marching bands to solemn bag pipes and drums, there’s enough diversity for every taste. Costumed local clubs and youth groups walk, ride or get pushed in strollers. GoodDogz.org returns with humans and canines, all in Halloween dress. The Patrick Henry Library Precision Book Cart Team returns.

Floats must adhere to the theme.

“We couldn’t do this without Cathy Salgado [Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation]. The parade continues to be a fun, festive tradition,” said Diamond. “We just trimmed the number of duplicate entries, but there’s still something for everyone.”