Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful event

As one of the sponsors and organizers of the Taste of Annandale last Saturday, Annandale Today expresses appreciation for everyone who contributed to a successful event.

The Taste of Annandale is the main project of the Annandale-Mason Roundtable, a nonprofit organization made up of local stakeholders.

The co-chair of the roundtable, Joe Do, of the Annandale Rotary Club, did much of the work planning the festival, including securing the permits; providing tables, chairs, and tents; obtaining support from the Police Department; reaching out to potential sponsors and vendors; and much more.

Roundtable co-chair Anna Ko put together the entire entertainment program, secured the DJ and sound system, and made sure all the performers had what they needed.

Maria-Isabel Ballivian, executive director of the ACCA Child Development Center, organized the children’s activities and entertainment and provided free food for everyone who attended the children’s program.

Regan Dahlberg and her colleagues at RAMP Optimal Performance & Wellness organized the Taste of Annandale 5K, which was held for the first time entirely in Mason District Park.

Thuy Nguyen planned the Eating Contest and somehow got more than a dozen people to participate.

Alex Howle, of the Fairfax County Community Revitalization Section, worked with Joe Do on the layout of the event – managing to squeeze more than 100 vendors into a tight space – and secured a free parking shuttle from Fairfax Connector.

Angela Torres, president of the Annandale High School PTSA and her colleagues organized the game arcade, the first time we had that attraction at the Taste of Annandale.

Local realtor Jamie DeSimone organized the Pet Costume Contest, Janet Garber planned the Chili Cook-Off, and Hannah Joo of Community Art For Everyone hosted the community art project. Jo Doumbia planned the recycling effort, and Kyung Jun invited the elected officials.

Kate Walter of the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club was a big help in many aspects of the festival.

Officers Stacey Sassano and Michael Williams of the Mason Police District helped provide security for what turned to be a very peaceful event.

Related story: Taste of Annandale 5K draws 100+ runners

Boy Scout Troop 150 set up the big tent. We appreciate the high school students and other volunteers who helped keep things running smoothly. Jennifer Chuong of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services recruited the volunteers.

Additional help was provided by Celebrate Fairfax, event planner Christian Oh, Stacey Evers of Hands On Harvests, and others.

Of course, the Taste of Annandale wouldn’t have happened if we weren’t able to attract 18 sponsors, many of whom joined the event after having a positive experience at the 2024 Taste of Annandale.

We’re especially grateful for our Platinum sponsors:

The Westminister School, a highly acclaimed private school in Annandale;
Juniper Life and Legacy Planning, a law firm founded by Bryn Karaus focusing on estate planning;
and the ACCA Child Development Center, providing a lifeline to local families in need of an affordable preschool.

Our Gold sponsors:

Our Silver sponsors:

Finally, thank you to the thousands of local residents who enjoyed a fun-filled day while recognizing Annandale as a place worth celebrating.