7 minute read

Business Profile

Next Article
Go Fish

Go Fish

Welcome to Market Place 2021!

This time last year we were feverishly trying to figure out how to navigate our local farmers markets. How is pre-ordering from our favorite vendors going to work? Which way do I enter the market since it is a “one-way” in and out situation? How do I know the produce is good if I can’t look at it up close? And on…and on. We are so happy to say that this summer we can shop like we did in the summer of 2019!

Advertisement

The month of July in our area can be pretty brutal between the heat and the excess humidity but it sure makes for some good produce. The sweet corn is in season, the tomatoes are actually ripening on the vine and the glut of yellow squash and zucchini is on the way!

In addition to the produce and flower vendors, the diversity of the other vendors at the markets is pretty impressive. From food stuffs (eggs, bacon, beef, fish, cheese, etc.) to high end jewelry; from products to pamper yourself and your pets; from high end art to note cards, the markets cover the gamut.

While not all of our area markets require vendors to peddle their “own” wares, the Del Ray and Old Town North Markets are adamant about this. This is an important component to me. I want to support the local guy who spends his/her money in his/ her community in order to produce his/her products.

While the listing accompanying this piece may not be all inclusive since there are markets popping up all over the area, they are some of the most prominent in Alexandria. No matter where you are, we encourage you to support your local farmers and vendors and enjoy the bounty of your purchases!

OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

MARKET SQUARE 301 KING STREET SATURDAYS, 7 AM – 12 NOON YEAR ROUND ALEXANDRIAVA.GOV/OLDTOWNFARMERSMARKET

The Old Town Market is thought to be the one of nation’s oldest continuing markets operating since 1753. It is said that George Washington sent his products from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today the plaza is a mecca for farmers and artists to sell their wares. The Market is a primary source for meats, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers for all those who visit.

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

CORNER OF MT. VERNON AND OXFORD AVENUES SATURDAYS, 8 AM TO NOON YEAR ROUND DELRAYFARMERSMARKET.COM

This market is strictly a producer grown market. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider. Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria. A non-profit is featured each weekend.

OLD TOWN NORTH FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

MONTGOMERY PARK 901 NORTH ROYAL STREET THURSDAYS, 3 PM – 7 PM YEAR ROUND OLDTOWNNORTH.ORG/FARMERS-MARKET

Alexandria’s favorite dog friendly market! The Old Town North Thursday Market is a “growers only” market with a focus on produce from small family farms and local artisans. Products sold at the market include fresh fruits and veggies from Virginia’s Northern Neck, Micro Greens from an urban farm, Empanadas, Fresh baked pastries with a European flair and much more.

in December 2020, yet the Reddit forum caused the shares to go up 1,700% by the end of January. This also happened to other companies such as AMC Entertainment which was faced with bankruptcy until the r/ wallstreetbets forum rallied to save it, and #SaveAMC trended on Twitter. Other Meme stocks include smartphone companies BlackBerry and Nokia.

How do Meme stocks work? Meme stocks’ prices are not based on a company’s business performance, but rather social media hype. This causes the meme stocks to be unpredictable, Investors on social media can artificially increase stock prices, which is usually followed by a crash. A meme stock’s price surge often starts when a bunch of investors, who think the stock is undervalued start buying in large quantities, causing the stock’s price to slowly climb up. Then the stock becomes popular due to the viral nature of social media. This new popularity means more people start buying stock. Once the buying peaks, the earlier stock holders start making money by selling their stock. But with any stock there are risks. David Mazza, Managing Director at asset management company Direxion told Forbes magazine in a recent article, “There’s going to be people who’ve had significant losses, who bought it at the topwho had no idea what they were doing and only looked at it with zeal and probably some jealously wanting to get involved. “We live in an environment of populism where information spreads through smartphones and social media, where good situations can become bad very quickly.”

This Meme Stock Mania, has caused an increase in trading activity among nonprofessional investors buying and selling stocks through brokerage firms or savings accounts. In March, over 80% of 450 million shares of AMC Entertainment were owned by over three million individual shareholders. The SEC, U.S Securities and Exchange Commission put out an alert to warn nonprofessional investors about significant risks of short term investing based on social media. The SEC stated, “it can be tempting to jump on the bandwagon and follow whatever the crowd seems to be doing, sometimes however, following the crowd may lead to significant investment losses.” Very few investors became “overnight millionaires” due to meme stocks such as Gamestop, the success stories are rare. According to Reethu Ravi, of Jumpstart, “while it can be appealing to hop on the latest investment trends and make money, it is vital to do your homework and research before you make any investment decisions. Without adequate research, investors won’t be able to asses if a stock is expensive or cheap, and will have to take a gamble. Research can help investors make informed decisions.

So hopefully that explains social media and the meme stock mania, I had to have someone explain it to me like I was 5, maybe they should create a video game to explain it, and raise the GameStop shares once again.

BUSINESS PROFILE| FROM PG 4

FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

4109 MOUNT VERNON AVENUE SUNDAYS, 9 AM – 1 PM YEAR ROUND 4MRMARKET.ORG

This market offers fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels and strives to reflect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well

WEST END FARMERS MARKET

4800 BEN BRENAMAN PARK SUNDAYS, 8:30 AM – 1 PM WESTENDFARMERSMARKET.ORG

We love our market, our vendors and our customers in the community. Please come out and allow the West End to wow you with the wares of our wonderful vendors! Our market is also dog friendly unlike many others.

ADVERTISE WITH US

office@oldtowncrier.com for inquiries

Upgrade Your Home with a NEW METAL ROOF

Guaranteed to Last a Lifetime!

STRONG AS STEEL WITH THE ATTRACTIVE LOOK OF VARIOUS ROOF STYLES

From Dimensional Shingles to classic styles reminiscent of Cedar Shake and Spanish Tile, an architectural roo ng system by Erie Metal Roofs can enhance the beauty of your home while protecting your family and property for a lifetime.

Choose from 3 styles with multiple color options:

DIMENSIONAL SHINGLES LIMITED TIME OFFER $500 OFF

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL 10% off

Install for Military, Health Workers and First Responders

Limited time offer.

Expires 10.1.21

Warranty- Limited Lifetime. Transferable to 1 subsequent owner from original purchaser. Terms and conditions apply. Hail up to 2.5”, Appearance of the surface coating beyond normal wear and tear.

WOODEN SHAKE SPANISH TILE

Call today to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE

1-877-702-0224

Made in the USA

This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not be available in your area. Offer expires October 1st 2021. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved.

This article is from: