Street Painting Festival and More Hit Del Ray This Weekend

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- It's shaping up to be a rainy Saturday, but there are still a number of events going on in Del Ray for the whole weekend.

On Sunday, May 14, Mount Vernon Avenue will come alive with beautiful Renaissance-era Italian chalk art for the second La Bella Strada festival. The Del Ray Montessori School will the event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues.

More than 20 local artists will create large chalk paintings along the sidewalk. Families and children can create their own masterpiece on the Avenue with a donation. Last year's event drew a sizable crowd of spectators and a noticeable increase of visitors along Mount Vernon Avenue.

"It is events like this [La Bella Strada] that bring new people to Alexandria and showcase our wonderful neighborhoods, who in turn make repeat visits. As a business owner, I see the long term value that events like La Bella have to our small business community," said owner, Pork Barrel BBQ owner Bill Blackburn on the vent's website.

All proceeds from the event will help fund the creation of an outdoor garden, play space, and education programs for The Del Ray Montessori School. The street festival originally planned for Saturday was rescheduled to Sunday due to the weather forecast.

Another family-friendly event, the Tot Rock Fest, will take place as planned Saturday, but indoors. This free day of performances for children will take place at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue).

Join the Del Ray Montessori School for a day of music, movement, and making a difference for children in and around Del Ray. Performers include the Rainbow Rock Band, Rocknoceros, The Great Zucchini, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring new or used musical instruments for Now I Play Along Too. For more information, along with a complete schedule, visit totrockfest.com.

In other news, the Mount Vernon Community School PTA Garden Party is rescheduled to Saturday May 20 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Come by Mount Vernon Community School playground next weekend to shop herb and veggie plants, cut flowers, baked goodies and kids’ crafts. All proceeds will benefit the school's playground project.

A more somber event is down the road Saturday. The The Julian Dawkins Stop the Violence Community Day strives to bring awareness to violence and remember Julian Dawkins, the Alexandria 23-year-old shot and killed in 2013. It will be held at George Washington Middle School field (1005 Mount Vernon Avenue) from noon-5 p.m.

The event features food and fund for all and a way for youth a positive outlet to be involved in the community. The Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company food truck will be cooking at the event. Visit the hosting TRP Foundation's Facebook page for more information and updates.

Lastly, the Del Ray Farmers Market is open rain or shine Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon at Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Have fun this weekend, Del Ray.

Images via La Bella Strada