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Reston Association honored longtime community volunteer John Lovaas on Saturday, April 27, unveiling a plaque on a bench at Lake Anne that recognizes his contributions to Reston.
The location places the tribute near the lake and beside the statue of Reston founder Robert E. Simon.
“I can’t think of anything better than being so honored by Lake Anne, the community that means so much to us. And right next to Bob Simon’s statue by the lake,” Lovaas said the following day.
Lovaas and his wife, Fran, founded the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne in 1998. He retired as market manager in December 2023 after volunteering in the role for 26 years. Fran Lovaas continues to manage the market.
Launched with 12 vendors, the market now includes 34 farmers and other vendors. It has repeatedly been named the best farmers market in Northern Virginia and attracts as many as 2,000 customers each Saturday as it enters its 28th season.
Lovaas also introduced programs that expanded the market’s community reach, including SNAP participation and a gleaning initiative that collects surplus fresh food for distribution to people in need.