The Del Ray Farmers’ Market was declared the winner of the Heart of Del Ray Award on Friday morning.
The award, which is an annual popularity contest, was voted on by more than 1,000 people, and founder Pat Miller was presented with a large red heart symbolizing the nonprofit’s place in the community. The award is always presented just before Valentine’s Day, which this year is on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The oversized heart will be hung outside in the square.
“It (the market) truly is a meeting place it is on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, warm or cold,” said Del Ray Business Association Board Member Gayle Reuter.
Now in its 27th year, the market is open every Saturday from 8 a;m. to noon at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the parking lot behind Virginia Commerce Bank, Cheesetique and Let’s Meat on the Avenue.
“Thank you so much,” Miller said after receiving the award. “Del Ray is the best.”
The other nominees this year were Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue), Del Ray Psych and Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue), The Dog Store/Your Dogs Best Friends (2301 Mount Vernon Avenue), Rosemont Landscaping and Lawncare (3308 Mount Vernon Avenue) and St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue).
Previous Heart of Del Ray award winners:
- 2022 — Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
- 2021 — Dolce & Bean
- 2020 — Preeti Patel’s 7-Eleven on Mount Vernon Avenue
- 2019 — Taqueria el Poblano
- 2018 — Pork Barrel BBQ
- 2017 — Del Ray Cafe
- 2016 — Caboose Cafe
- 2015 — Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
- 2014 — Del Ray Pizzeria
- 2013 — The Greener Cleaner of Del Ray
- 2012 — The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray
- 2011 — Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria/Compass
- 2010 — Jen Walker, McEnearney Associates
- 2009 — A Show of Hands
