The Del Ray Farmers Market celebrated its 25th anniversary Sept. 7 at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. Hosted by the Del Ray Community Partnership, the market is held each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the corner of Mount Vernon and East Oxford avenues.
“Charles Buki, Karen Johnson and Dennis Reeder were the movers and shakers behind the Farmers Market 25 years ago,” said longtime Del Ray resident and market coordinator Pat Miller. “And all three are still part of the community.”
The Farmers Market has long been a central gathering place for the Del Ray community and has grown to include other events such as a recent Inova Blood Drive held in August.
“The Farmers Market has really given the community a place where people can walk to, talk to their neighbors and enjoy a Saturday outing together,” Miller said.
During peak season, more than 26 local farmers and vendors are on site offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods and cut flowers.
“I think we started with six vendors,” Miller added. “And three that started when we opened are still with us after 25 years.”
Miller said that the market has grown so much that there is a waiting list for space.
“We would probably have to move the location if we got any more vendors,” Miller said. “I could always use more for the winter market, but spring, summer and fall we are full with fresh produce vendors. The vision of Charles, Karen and Dennis has made such a difference to the Del Ray community.”
For more information, visit www.DelRayFarmersMarket.org