This will be the first year the Del Ray Business Association is not hosting First Thursday block parties since it founded the event nearly 30 years ago.
Del Ray’s First Thursdays have been turned over to the Del Ray Citizens Association, which runs other neighborhood events such as last weekend’s Del Ray GardenFest and the upcoming Del Ray House and Garden Tour on Saturday, May 9.
“From our perspective, First Thursdays began as a way to draw visitors into Del Ray, but during Covid it evolved into something more neighborly, with themes like socially distanced porch parties,” Elena Hutchison, the vice president of the Del Ray Citizens Association, told ALXnow. “That shift made the DRCA a very natural home for it.”
ALXnow has reached out to the Del Ray Business Association for comment on the transition. The organization noted in an email newsletter that it is pivoting to focus on its Second Saturday events.
Hutchison said this year’s First Thursdays will serve as a pilot program for the DRCA to learn what works before committing to a long-term format. Unlike past years, this year’s schedule does not include does not include April, August or September dates as the DRCA assesses volunteer capacity.
“This past weekend alone, Del Ray volunteers ran The [MV] Big Flea, the Duncan Library Book Sale, and GardenFest — all within two blocks of each other,” Hutchison said. “We want to keep First Thursdays thriving without burning out the people who make Del Ray run.”
First Thursdays will take place on the first Thursday of May, June and July, from 5-8 p.m. The block parties feature themed activities and are free and open to the public.
The schedule for First Thursdays is:
May 7 — “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” sponsored by Alexandria Hyundai
June 4 — “Field Day,” sponsored by the Del Ray Farmers Market
July 2 — “America 250,” Sponsored by The Jen Walker Team
The citizens association also continues to seek volunteers for the Del Ray House and Garden Tour on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers get a ticket to tour the homes and gardens outside their assigned shift. Interested volunteers may email [email protected].
Image 1 via Del Ray Business Association/Facebook
