McLean’s fourth annual community parade – McLean WinterFest – is shaping up. This year, it will include a weekend of holiday events and will use the occasion to help neighbors in need. WinterFest officials are asking residents to share with those of us who have fallen on hard times by bringing grocery, pharmacy or clothing store gift cards to the parade that volunteers will collect as the crowd gathers.

The WinterFest parade route, held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, will be the longest to date. Parade entries, bands and floats will travel down Old Chain Bridge Road from Fleetwood to Elm Street. Parade participants must register at the parade site at mcleanwinterfest.org by Nov. 21 and will be required on parade day to check in at 3 p.m. with the McLean Volunteer Fire Department at the corner of Beverly and Elm Streets for their place in the lineup.

For more information about WinterFest, visit mcleanwinterfest.org.