Alexandria Makers Market founder Alyssa Kovach thinks that online marketplaces take away a personal touch.
For nearly two years she’s managed up to 80 Alexandria makers, selling everything from soap and candles to dog food and popcorn seasoning, and on June 27 will feature 15 makers and their products for her first in-person event since the start of the pandemic last year.
Governor Ralph Northam’s guidance easing restrictions on public gatherings takes effect today, and groups in Alexandria are already planning a number of in-person events that traditionally bring in tens of thousands of people.
Northam recently announced that effective April 1, additional capacity and indoor and outdoor gathering limits will increase to 50 people for indoor settings and 100 people for outdoor settings. Additionally, entertainment venues must continue operating at 30% capacity with a maximum of 500 patrons; recreational sporting events can increase 30% capacity, or from 25 people to 100 people per field; and graduation events must have a cap of 5,000 people or 30% capacity for outdoor events.
If you’re tired of being cooped up and want to take advantage of the spring weather, the Del Ray Vintage and Flea Market is returning on April 10.
The market will return for its third season in two open-air lots at the corner of Mount Vernon and Bellefonte Avenues in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, according to a press release.
With the still active threat of COVID-19 in Alexandria, the George Washington birthday parade is unsurprisingly canceled, but a series of other events around Alexandria are scheduled to celebrate the first president’s 289th birthday.
The 13th annual “Cherry Challenge” is scheduled throughout that month, with local restaurants creating cherry-centric dishes to celebrate the entirely fictional myth of Washington and the cherry tree.
COVID-19 Deaths Now at 94 in Alexandria — “The latest update from the City on COVID-19: 2,929 Alexandrians vaccinated; 3 additional deaths (94 total); Positive tests up 80 to 8,387 in the City (637 in last 7 days); 7-day Positivity Rate up to 10.5% 2 new hospitalizations.” [Twitter]
Northam Says Virginia Ready for Inauguration — “Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said his state is ‘ready’ as the FBI warned of possible violent demonstrations at capitols across the country, ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.” [Twitter]
The Friendship Firehouse Museum has come to the rescue yet again. With Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend called off this year, the city’s oldest firehouse will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The one-day-only event costs $2 for an entire group of up to per ticket (free for city residents), and only groups of 10 people will be allowed in at a time. The museum has sporadically opened since the onset of the pandemic, and anyone wanting to stay safe can also take a Google 360 virtual tour.
The 45th Annual Turkey Trot and Food Drive for ALIVE! started virtually on Saturday, and the nonprofit has set up food collection points all over the city through November 29.
“We have given away 1.1 million pounds of food since the pandemic began,” ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers told ALXnow. “The food need continues to grow. The need is still there and we need all the food and financial support we can get to continue to do what we have to do.”
A large flea market is returning to Del Ray this weekend with an expanded selection of vendors.
The community is scheduled to be held at 1990 Mount Vernon Avenue and 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 14. Masks are required to enter.
If you’re finishing what feels like the longest week in American history with a need for a strong drink and a bit of distraction, the city is hosting an event next week that might help take your mind off things.
The Alexandria-Caen Sister Cities Committee and the Office of Historic Alexandria is hosting a “Beaujolais Nouveau Virtual Tasting Party” as a celebration and study of French wines. The virtual event is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19.
In 1777, the original Tall Ship Providence found something eerie off the coast of New York — an abandoned, rudderless ghost ship full of rich clothing, bread and even a dog.
“We came within pistol shot and hailed her, but received no answer,” noted Marine Captain John Trevette in his diary.
Beyer Says Trump is Suppressing Votes — “Donald Trump wants to illegally stop Americans – including members of our military serving overseas – from voting. The counter to this is simple: vote.” [Twitter]
Mayor Defends Kamala Harris’ Dancing After Criticism — “I am a ‘younger’ elected official and I frequently dance (and sing) to Mary J. songs (more ‘Just Fine’ than ‘Work That’) and I cannot wait until next year when we have a Vice President who does too.” [Twitter]
