McLean’s only community parade, WinterFest, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7. Go to the WinterFest site at www.mcleanwinterfest.org to register to be in the parade. The deadline for participant registration is Nov. 18. This year the parade falls on Pearl Harbor Day and the participants will salute WWII veterans represented by American Legion Post 270 as Grand Marshals.
Also new is WinterFest photo contest for spectators with entries that may win a prize or be used on the WinterFest website to promote next year’s parade. Images will be judged in the following categories: Best overall photo of the event; Best photo of pre-parade entertainment; Best photo of Parade Spectators; Best photo of parade entries; and Best photo taken by a child 12 or under. Winners will be announced in January. Go to www.mcleanwinterfest.org for the contest details.
WinterFest again this year will present a check to Share of McLean, the local organization that does so much to help families in need. “We’re asking residents to share their good fortune with those who have fallen on hard times by bringing grocery, pharmacy or clothing store gift cards to the parade that Share volunteers will collect,” said Trish Butler, chair of the parade steering committee.
What’s the best news about WinterFest this year? WinterFest food vendors will be waiting for you: Mama’s Donut Bites, DC Sliders, Swizzler gourmet hot dogs, Fluffy Thoughts and pizza by the slice from the Naked Pizza store.
Here’s more information about this year’s parade:
The parade route will be the same as last year’s: Old Chain Bridge Road from Fleetwood Road to Elm Street. The parade route will be closed from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Plan ahead for this. The parade lineup streets, Beverly and Fleetwood, will be closed at 2 p.m.
There is still no fee to be an entry in the parade. But you must register by Nov. 18.
Peggy Fox from WUSA/Channel 9 will again call the parade from the Fairfax County Showmobile situated in Langley Shopping Center. Bill DuBose of Vintage Wealth will host the pre-parade entertainment.
The pre-parade entertainment will precede the parade stepping off; check web site for the time.
The parade will step off at 3:30 p.m. sharp.
For more information on the WinterFest parade, go to the website at www.mcleanwinterfest.org or contact the parade committee at 703-917-0611.