Alexandria — An estimated 50,000 people took to the streets of Del Ray Oct. 6 for the 17th annual Art on the Avenue, one of Alexandria's premiere events and largest arts festivals in the mid-Atlantic region.

“It was an amazing day,” said organizer Pat Miller of the Del Ray Business Association. “There was a bit of a lull when it looked like the storm was going to hit but after that the crowds really came out.”

Approximately 350 artisans and craftsmen exhibited their wares along Mount Vernon Avenue as festival-goers enjoyed entertainment, children's games and delicacies prepared by Del Ray restaurants.

The 8th annual pie baking contest raised $641 for SCAN (Stop Child Abuse of Northern Virginia), which included Randee Hilton's 1st place prize of $75 which she donated back to the Del Ray-based nonprofit. Sponsored by Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria, winners were: Youth (17 and under): 1st - Kaia Johnson - German Chocolate Pecan Pie; 2nd - Kaia Johnson - Banana Coconut Marshmallow Pie; 3rd - Reagan Feld - The Elements of Pie. Adults: 1st - Randee Hilton - Bewitching Blueberry Pie; 2nd - Nancy McKenna - Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie; 3rd - Kate Morese - Kate's Pretty Pecan Pie.

“What really makes this festival special is all the volunteers that give so much of their time,” Miller said of the 200 workers who help stage the event. “It's amazing to me how people will show up at 5:30 a.m. to move bales of hay around. We couldn't do it without them.”