Pop-Up Market Planned For Labor Day Weekend In Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Are you staying in town for Labor Day Weekend? Del Ray will host a pop-up market showcasing home-based businesses and local artisans on Sunday, Sept. 2. The market will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues).

So far, here are participating businesses:

The Board Bus

The Board Bus is a walk-in, solar-powered, mobile skate shop, which owner Jeremy Brandt-Vorel calls "the only walk-in mobile skate shop in existence. Products include skateboards, clothing, accessories, featuring local and name brand items.

"I want to change the stigma of skateboarding being for troublemakers and pot heads," said Brandt-Vorel. "We curate our goods based on quality and design aesthetic. I started skating at a young age and it was a great healthy outlet to help me get through a tough childhood. My experience has inspired me to share the benefits of skateboarding to my community."

Made In Del Ray

Made in Del Ray offers t-shirts, tote bags, and accessories for the whole family to boost community pride. "We live in such a vibrant neighborhood," said owner Serdar Basegmez, who also offers the products year-round at Greener Cleaner of Del Ray.

Truly Life

Owner Mellenie Runion grows the loofahs, herbs, and flowers used in her eco-friendly skin care products right in her backyard garden in Del Ray. She started out making all-natural soaps for herself. 10 years later, her skin care products are offered in numerous local retailers, hotels and the Old Town Farmers Market favorite. "The goal is to leave the smallest footprint possible," said Runion. "We are inspired to make a difference because the ocean is filling with plastic and our air is polluted. If we aren't part of the solution, we don't want to stay in business."

Check back for more event information from the Del Ray Business Association.

Image via Patch editor Emily Leayman