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FYI :: Due to Christmas Day falling on a Saturday this year, the Old Town Farmers’ Market will be open on Friday, December 24, from 7 a.m. to noon and will be closed on Saturday, December 25. Parking at the Market Square Parking Garage (108 N. Fairfax St.), located directly under Market Square Plaza, will be free on Friday, December 24, from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Market will resume its regular schedule on Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Visit alexandriava.gov/OldTownFarmersMarket for more information
INFO :: Farmers' markets have on-site sales now that Phase III of the Governor's Forward Virginia reopening plan is in effect. Know before you go: continue to follow the Six Steps to Stop the Spread, those who are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks will not be allowed entry, and individuals who are at increased risk of COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home and have someone go in their place.
alexandriava.gov/FarmersMarkets
To maintain access to fresh food while promoting social distancing during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the City of Alexandria has directed farmers’ market food vendors to offer only pickup of pre-ordered food until further notice. This direction is intended to ensure that vendors comply with the letter and spirit of Governor Northam’s March 23 executive order, which bans gatherings of more than 10 people and prohibits farmers’ market customers from congregating.
“Alexandria has a long and proud tradition of farmers’ markets, dating to the years when George Washington sent his produce to be sold in Market Square,” said City Manager Mark Jinks. “Our markets serve as a vital resource for consumers, and City staff have worked hard to keep this food supply available in our community and support market vendors during this extraordinary time. As we all make changes in our routines to protect each other, we ask customers to comply with the Governor’s order to practice social distancing and avoid gathering, so market vendors can remain accessible in the weeks ahead.”
No food or other items may be displayed or offered for sampling or sale at the market location, and non-food vendors may not provide pickup. To reduce touching and avoid lines, vendors are encouraged to provide for prepayment of orders if possible. Vendors who offer pre-ordering have been asked to provide details to Visit Alexandria, and submissions will be listed at
www.ALXatHome.com. Check the site throughout the week for updates.
Market managers have been asked to increase the distance between vendor stands, encourage handwashing and social distancing by vendors and customers, actively discourage lines, and ensure that customers who have picked up their orders exit promptly. While there is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through food, any food can be a surface for the transmission of viruses if safe food handling practices are not followed. Before preparing or eating, customers should wash all fruits and vegetables in accordance with FDA guidance for cleaning produce.
Full news release: alexandriava.gov/114386
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates farmers’ markets, announced on Friday that the agency has interpreted the state emergency order regarding restaurants to apply to farmers’ markets. As a result, markets may not operate with more than 10 patrons present. Because it is not practical to enforce such a limit in an open market, the Del Ray, Four Mile Run, Old Town, Old Town North and West End markets will be suspended until further notice. The Virginia Farmers Market Association is petitioning the state to reconsider this interpretation for future market dates.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates farmers’ markets, announced today that the agency has interpreted the state emergency order regarding restaurants to apply to farmers’ markets. As a result, markets may not operate with more than 10 patrons present. Because it is not practical to enforce such a limit in an open market, the Del Ray, Four Mile Run, Old Town, Old Town North and West End markets will be suspended until further notice. The Virginia Farmers Market Association is petitioning the state to reconsider this interpretation for future market dates.
On February 18, City Manager Mark Jinks presented the Alexandria City Council with a proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 General Fund Operating Budget of $799.9 million, which represents an increase of 4.5% over the current year. alexandriava.gov
We don't know about you, but we're missing those warmer days right about now.
You can find the vibrant colors of fall in more places than just on trees!
“I have been a full time career artist for over 47 years, living my dream and expressing my passion with paint… I enjoy sharing people’s vision and excitement for the beauty and blessings of life.”
Len “Leonardo” Garon is an artistic staple of the Old Town Farmers’ Market by nature of him displaying and selling his pieces here for nearly 16 years. Along with participating at the Market, he shows and sells artwork all across the country.
Len’s painting career was spurred by the immense inspiration he received while witnessing masterful artwork across Europe, including Paris, London and Florence. He understands his craft as an opportunity to express his own vision of beauty - and countless people indeed appreciate his expression!
Not only does Len paint iconic imagery from around the DMV area, but he also creates custom paintings including weddings, first dances and kisses, significant career events, and people, dog and house portraits. Len, along with one other artist, designed and painted a 100 yard long mural on Edsall Road between South Pickett and South Van Dorn Streets - it’ is the largest mural in the DMV! Its theme reflects the historic development of Alexandria beginning in the 18th century all the way to modern times.
Visit his site and watch the award-winning mini documentary on his story!
www.lengaron.com
What will you be looking for at the Market this weekend?
