Annandale is enriched with diversity and it is reflected in its restaurants, stores and residents.

To celebrate our unique community, the fourth Taste of Annandale will take place on Oct.13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Tom Davis Drive.

This free annual festival attracts Annadale’s local food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, talent and welcomes all community members of all ages.

Taste of Annandale will start with a 5K Race beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Kmart parking lot on John Marr Drive.

Runners will go through Columbia Pike and finishing off at Mason District Park.

Sophomore Christine Trieu volunteered at Taste of Annandale last year.

She helped set up booths and spent the remaining of the festival gave hand-outs to those who attended.

“Taste of Annandale is important because you get to know what’s in your neighborhood and probably find ways to get involved. The event is just really fun,” Trieu said. “The atmosphere is very lively. There’s a lot of people and you get to talk to new people.”

Trieu enjoyed her experience last year and will be volunteering again for this year.

Well-known local food vendors will make an appearance such as El Fuego, Honey Pig, Phowheels and Mulan Dumpling.

The Culinary Arts Department will also have a booth at the event.

Additionally, the PTSA will have a Farmer’s Market booth set up that will sell fresh fruits and vegetables.

One of the festival’s highlights is the pet contest.

Chico’s will be hosting the pet contest where residents can bring their pet, from dogs to ferrets, dressed in a Halloween costume. There will be one winner for most creative, handmade costume and one for the best overall costume.

There will also be a winner for best duo or group, which includes two or more pets, an owner and pet, or group with at least one pet.

The winners will receive a prize from Chico’s Natural Pet Market. Additionally, Chico’s will also offer free mini-makeovers for pets.

Additionally, attendees will be able to vote for the best chili in the Chili Cook-off against the Mason District Police and the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department.

The AVFD is the reigning campaign for two consecutive years.

Another annual tradition to be held later this month is the annual Annandale Parade on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m.

The AHS marching band will make an appearance in the parade beginning at the Annandale Shopping Center near Gallows Road to the Bowling Alley.