Reston Farmers Market Enjoying Strong Season With Sense Of 'Normalcy' Restored

RESTON, VA — After opening right on schedule in early May, the 24th season of the Reston Farmers Market has had a successful run so far, with the final market scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4.

The strong year follows a 2020 season when the Reston Farmers Market opened one week later than usual. But 2020 still turned out to be a fruitful year for the market, despite uncertainties accompanying the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the market served more than 64,000 shoppers during the year, although an exact count was hard to calculate, according to John Lovaas, who founded the Reston Farmers Market 24 years ago. Because of COVID-19 precautions, the market sealed off entry except for two entrances.

For the current year, a greater sense of "normalcy" returned to the market, with volunteers, vendors and the community more accustomed to the safety precautions necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lovaas said.

About 18 years ago, John's wife Fran Lovaas joined him in managing the farmers market upon her retirement. In 2019, John and Fran Lovaas, along with colleague Keith Strange, were among a group of community members to receive an Elly Doyle Service Award from the Fairfax County Park Authority for their commitment to volunteering in Fairfax County.

In 2021, most of the COVID-19 restrictions remained in place at the Reston Farmers Market — vendors and customers were required to wear masks and practice social distancing as they made their way through the market.

The only restrictions that changed were that people were allowed to walk two ways instead of only one way like they did in 2020. Also, masks were strongly recommended in 2020, while they were required by law in 2021.

All foods sold at the Reston Farmers Market are locally produced, with vendors selling food grown within 125 miles of Reston. According to Lovaas, the market has been rated the top farmers market in Northern Virginia more than once for two reasons: the market has "the absolute best farmer-producers and phenomenal community support."

On Saturday, Oct. 23, Lovaas estimates about 2,000 shoppers showed up at the Reston Farmers Market, about normal for the shoulder October season at the market.

The Reston Farmers Market will operate each Saturday through Dec. 4, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m, at 1609-A Washington Plaza at Lake Anne Village Center.

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