Vienna's 80th annual Halloween Parade marched down Maple Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 28, continuing a tradition that dates to 1946.
The Town of Vienna said on Facebook that "history came alive on Maple Avenue" as the parade celebrated 250 years of America. The town described "patriotism and hometown pride" on full display along the route.
This year's theme, "Haunted History: 250 Years of America," tied the parade to the country's semiquincentennial, as FFXnow first reported. The town encouraged entries built around historical figures, haunted landmarks, American folklore and classic Halloween creatures.
Mark Keam, a former Virginia state delegate who represented Vienna in the Virginia General Assembly for 13 years, led the procession as Grand Marshal. Keam heads the Korean American Institute, a nonprofit research organization. The town's parade page said the honor recognized his public service and advocacy for the Vienna area.
The parade stepped off at 7 p.m. and traveled from Branch Road to Center Street. More than 100 entries appeared on the pre-event lineup, which the town marked "subject to change." Registered participants included the James Madison High School "Pride of Vienna" Warhawk Marching Band, George C. Marshall High School Marching Statesmen, Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Post 180 Color Guard and the Vienna Community Band.
Elected officials on the lineup included Congressman James Walkinshaw, state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim and Delegate Holly Seibold. Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid and the Sheriff's Office Honor Guard were also listed.
Local groups filled out the roster. Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops, the Northern Virginia Corvette Club, Ghostbusters Virginia, Hunters Valley Riding Club and Bog Hill Farm's 1959 Allis Chalmers D-14 tractor were among the entries. Youth Independent Artists of Northern Virginia registered a performance called "Thriller 250: Haunting America."
The parade is organized by the town in partnership with the Vienna Business Association. Kids could pick up free goodie bags at the Caffi Field pitching lanes on Cherry Street SE, with items donated by local businesses and sponsors.
Vienna has held a Halloween parade every year since 1946. Even in 2020, the town sent about a dozen floats into neighborhoods as a "wave parade" instead of canceling.
