Thousands show for Dale City parade

Dale City resident Cindy Diaz had her umbrella just in case. Turns out she and everyone else didn't need one.

A morning that started off with ominous clouds and a brief sprinkle of rain quickly turned into a glorious—albeit hot—day for the annual Dale City Independence Day "America the Beautiful" Celebration.

A record crowd of an estimated 10,000 people lined Dale Boulevard Friday to watch what has become a local tradition as familiar to July 4 as fireworks and apple pie.

"I said 'Lord, let the rain come in the afternoon,' and He did," said parade chairman Ernestine S. Jenkins.

Diaz, her mother Frances Costanzo, her daughter and two grandchildren had a prime spot on the median just before the end of the one-mile parade route that wound from Kirkdale Road down to the commuter lot just before Minnie-ville Road. Waiting for her grandchildren to come before the start of the parade, Diaz reminisced about the 29 con-secutive years she's attended this festive event.

A former member of the Dale City Arts & Crafts Club, Diaz and her now 29-year-old son used to participate in the parade dressed as clowns, tossing candy to the children.

For Lake Ridge resident Jesse Haynes, the parade was a new experience. He and his wife Natasha were there with their children and other family members to watch their five-year-old daughter Layla, who was walking in the parade as a cheerleader for the Dale City Sports Club.

Originally from Arkansas, Haynes said he and his family would consider coming back to future parades.

"There was lots of excitement, a lot of people were talking about it [the parade]," Haynes said.

Woodbridge resident Alan Ragsdale attended with his girlfriend, Ruby Escobar, and their 2-year-old son, Marcus. Already a veteran of two parades, Marcus liked the horses and the fire dog mascot the best, said his father.

But the candy is strictly off limits, laughed Ragsdale.

Throughout the morning, there was plenty to do for attendees. Everyone from local political supporters to church groups and restaurants were stumping for attention while the children took advantage of a petting zoo and pony rides.

There was also a record 600 vehicles participating in the parade, said Jenkins. Everything from World War II jeeps to Harley-Davidsons strolled down the route during the two-hour event. State Sen. Charles J. Colgan, D-Manassas, served as the parade's grand marshal in the lead car.

After the parade, members of the New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William entertained the crowd with several patriotic songs.

For those who missed the parade, Comcast Channel 2 will air it on July 9, 23 and 30 at 7:30 p.m., said Jen-kins.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738.