Reston Association honored John Lovaas with a new plaque on Saturday, April 27. The plaque recognizes his many contributions to the community, including founding the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne in 1998. The plaque is attached to a bench at Lake Anne.

“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 day after the unveiling. 

Lovaas retired from his position as market manager of the Reston Farmers Market in December of 2023 after 26 years as volunteer managing the market with his wife Fran, who continues on as market manager. 

The market opened with 12 vendors and currently features 34 farmers/vendors. It has been named the best in NoVA several times, and draws upwards of 2,000 customers each Saturday as it enters its  28th season.

During his tenure, Lovaas added valuable features to the market including SNAP participation and a gleaning program that collects excess fresh foods to distribute to those in need.