Hundreds of people showed up on Washington Street for the largest Haymarket Day yet. The parade began just before 9 a.m. with fire trucks, but it was the oddities that really took center stage.
In an amazing fete, UniStars Unicycling Show Troup members rolled down the street on single, double and triple-decker cycles as roller derby groups leaped over each other. Not far behind, a man walking on stilts towered above the crowds.
Getting into the Halloween spirit, zombies roamed in the parade looking for “fresh meat” for their “Blood and Guts” run in October. Zombie Dave Szczepanek said the event was planned to be a “fun, family-friendly event for people of all ages.”
Tae Kwon Do students surpassed spectators’ expectations with board-breaking martial arts demonstrations.
“The demo team does triple round kicks, tornadoes and 5-40 kicks,” said, student Christian Masseyliu, a sparring student at U.S. Tiger Tae Kwon Do.
The dancers dazzled little girls as the Gainesville Dance Company students danced to “Just a Country Girl," while Spotlight Dance Company in Manassas did their race-car themed “Route 66.”
The Battlefield High School band marched in step, but teen Kiren Nathaniel said the ROTC groups were her favorite.
Young Gina Forzano said for her, the best part was the candy, something she remembered having gotten more of last year.
However, elected officials knew enough to bring candy, and Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland, Gainesville School Board Rep. Alyson Satterwhite, Del. Tim Hugo, Del. Bob Marshall and even Brentsville Supervisor Wally Covington made an appearance in the parade.
Preschools used their children’s inherent cuteness and amped it up,dressing them as flowers and stars on floats. Though none of this cuteness had an effect on the young boys, who wanted to see more cars and engines.
Brothers Cody and Camden Ward liked the cars and trucks. Camden said the Foster's Grille racecar was his favorite part, while Cody appreciated the fire trucks most.
Matt Simmons, who works with RCS trucking, offered to bring more trucks next year, saying, “Last year there was an 18-wheeler.”
After the parade, hundreds of vendors set up along the parade route and in greens off the downtown street.
While walking the route, attendees were entertained by local talent, including martial arts and jazzercise demonstrations.
“It’s a half hour showing the moves we do in the class,” said co-owner of the new Gainesville Jazzercise Betsy Clark, explaining she was fortunate to promote her new business on one of the stages.
“I’ve lived in Haymarket since 1987. I love Haymarket Day,” Clark said.
At the Grace Life Church stage, Bristow’s cover band Livin' the Dream performed beside the beer garden. Further down the road, at the Déjà Brew stage, Noah Schloss was one of several young performers playing their original music.
Children, enjoyed a pirate ship bouncy castle and carried inflatable swords and stuffed dogs on a leash.
Meanwhile, some middle school boys were busy selling hot dogs for Troop 924 of the National Capital Area Council.
Scout Dominic Carolino said he likes Haymarket Day because “it’s like a big block party.”
While Russelo Hickey said he likes seeing his friends there.
At the Allstate stand, parents and children stamped their thumbs with a promise not to text and drive.
“We try to get to the events where there are a lot of teens,” said Allstate Manager Toni Shiner. “It’s been a very successful campaign.”
People also got a chance get information on new businesses such as Lasley Centre on Vint Hill Road at a booth where children could also get their faces glitter-painted.
When the rain came later in the afternoon, most people had their fair share of food and entertainment. People agreed it was a fun time that also benefited local businesses and organizations and was at least “three times” as big as last year’s festival.
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