Taste of Annandale: new details emerge

Check out the ad on a Fairfax Connector bus.

With the Taste of Annandale just a few weeks away, we’ve got some updates to report, including new sponsors, food vendors, and entertainers.

The Taste of Annandale is a free, family-friendly community festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., on Tom Davis Drive. That’s in the center of Annandale, between Columbia Pike and John Marr Drive. See the website for a tentative schedule of events.


Taste of Annandale 5K Race– If you’re planning to participate, sign up now before the early-bird registration fee ends on Sept. 23.

The race starts at 10 a.m. in the Kmart parking lot at 4251 John Marr Drive. The 5K Race is certified by USA Track & Field (certification #2027).

Runners will head down Columbia Pike, go through Mason District Park, and return to Kmart. That stretch of Columbia Pike will be closed to traffic during the race.

Race-day registration and packet pick-up starts at 8:45 a.m. and will end promptly at 9:45. Packets can also be picked up at the Mason District Government at 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, on Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. For more information about the 5K, contact David Roach, 864-360-3726, droach44@gmail.com.

Sponsors– The Title Sponsors of the Taste of Annandale are BB&TBank, Bill Page Toyota, and Page Chevrolet.

Gold Sponsors include the Annandale Rotary Club, Annandale United Methodist Church, Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Virginia, the Pele Law Offices of Janet Smith Esq., and the Annandale Blog.

The Silver Sponsors are the ACCA Child Development Center, Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Barnside Diner, Burke & Herbert Bank, Chico’s Natural Pet Market, Congressional School, the Couts Group/Coldwell Banker, DaVita Dialysis Center, the Parliaments, and Windows Plus.

Signs and ads– Can we put a sign on your lawn or place or in front of your place of business, religious institution, or other organization? Send your address to ashford.annandale@gmail.comor text it to 571-243-4364.

If you see the Taste of Annandale ad on a Fairfax Connector bus, please let us know where and when you’ve seen it and the bus route. If you can get a photo, that would be especially helpful.

Food– The following restaurants and other food vendors have signed up so far, with more in the process of completing the paperwork: American Legion Bicentennial Post 1976, Annandale High School Culinary Arts Department, Baja Bistro, El Fuego, Empanadas de Mendoza, Honey Pig, Peruvian Brothers, Orient Bowl, Pho Wheels, Phonecia Resto & Lounge, Tapas, and Tara Thai.

Sign up– It’s not too late to sign on as a sponsor, food vendor, or non-food vendor. To learn more about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, contact Gracy Olmeda, golmeda@nacanet.org, 571-965-5171.

Entertainment– The following acts have been scheduled so far: the Monarca in Flight aerial dance group, Blue Book Value Band, Lee’s Hapmudo Martial Arts, “7” Step Hand Dance Academy, Tamure Ataata, Alice Gu-Zheng Ensemble, Ukelele Hui, and a Han Couture Fashion Show presented by the Chinese Culture Institute.

Other features–  There will also be a full schedule of children's entertainment and a chili cook-off. More details will be posted soon.

Volunteers– We need volunteers from the community to help make this event a success. If you can help, contact Nancy Hall, nancyitc@aol.com, or fill out the form on the Taste of Annandale website.