On Dec. 7, families, students and local organizations gathered on Old Chain Bridge Road as one of Mclean’s most cherished traditions, the annual Winterfest Parade, made its long-awaited return. Kicking off on a frosty afternoon, the event featured a lively mix of traditional dances, musical performances and members of local business and community organizations who marched through the heart of McLean.
“[The parade] always brings in different groups of people together and celebrates the best time of the year with a feeling of community and family,” volunteer Anthony Graves said.
Usually quiet on Sunday afternoons, the parade snaked through the streets of McLean. Children, bundled up in coats, jumped and waved to the participants as they walked by. Even the dogs, wrapped in scarves and wearing headbands, seemed to be enjoying themselves.
“We’re all cold, but honestly, it’s fun because we’re all out here supporting our community,” said Sophia Harris, sophomore and member of McLean High School’s Color Guard team.
Some of the attendees noticed that the parade looked more colorful and crowded than they expected. Previous parades were cancelled due to COVID-19, and it has taken some time to reestablish the event. As such, this year’s parade is a testament to the organizers, sponsors and volunteers who worked hard to restore it.
“They stopped [the parade] for several years due to the virus, but now they’re back with making it an annual thing and I, for one, could not be more excited to see where that takes us in bringing the community closer together,” Graves said.
The parade also featured several local Girl and Boy Scouts troops, who marched proudly as they passed out candy canes and homemade bracelet kits to families and young children
“We all went over to one person’s house to make all of these little gift things because it’s important for the community, and it makes us feel good when we pass these out,” said Chloe Williams, a member of Girl Scout Troop 50131.
The Highlanders were also well represented. Together with the Color Guard, the McLean High School Band’s presence added a sense of school spirit as they performed the school’s signature fight song while marching down Old Chain Bridge Road.
“We’re going to march around and play our fight song because this is how we help contribute to the [parade] spirit. It just feels like the community is back together again,” said Natalie Torres, a junior at McLean High School and member of the McLean Band.
For McLean High School students, the parade was also an opportunity to engage with community members outside of their typical school setting.
“I didn’t have to come to this, but I knew it would be a fun experience and a great way to connect with everyone, so in the end I’m glad I came,” Harris said.
Some of the parade’s most memorable moments were the traditional performances from cultural organizations, including the Tinkus Bolivia USA dancers, whose bright costumes and engaging movements seized the crowd’s attention. Their joy and energy brought warmth and excitement to the crowd, enough to make them forget about the freezing weather.
“This type of dancing goes back generations, and I’m so honored to be here today to share it with the people of McLean, Virginia,” Tinkus Bolivia member Gabriela Choque said.
Numerous local businesses and institutions also participated. State Farm Insurance used this parade to show the residents of McLean its appreciation for 25 years of service. The McLean Fire Department greeted families and honked their horns as their fire engine rolled along the parade route.
“We appreciate our customers, that’s why we’re here, but we’re also here for the kids and their parade,” said Lynn Heinrich, an employee from State Farm Insurance.
As the families started to move towards the Winterfest Block Party after the parade came to an end, the mood was unmistakably positive. Once cancelled, the revived parade felt like a true start to the holiday season and also a strong example of what makes McLean such a special place.
“We’re just here to enjoy our great community of McLean, Virginia,” Heinrich said. “Who doesn’t love to make a kid happy?”
