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Today’s Forecast

87º | 5% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:22 p.m.
 

Another Sriracha shortage?

Summer of 2024 may bring another Sriracha shortage
RICtoday_WildEarth_HotSauces
Try the many varieties of fermented hot pepper sauce made by Wild Earth. | Photo via Wild Earth Fermentation
A summer without Sriracha? It’s a possibility now that Huy Fong Foods plans to stop production until after Labor Day. “All orders that have been scheduled beginning on May 6, 2024, will be canceled,” the California-based hot sauce company said. That’s nearly a four-month pause on the production of Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, and sambal oelek.

This isn’t the first time Huy Fong couldn’t deliver the heat. Last year, we reported a Sriracha shortage due to droughts in Mexico, where the jalapeno peppers are sourced. This year’s culprit? The peppers are “too green.”

Huy Fong’s “red rooster” Sriracha is known for, well, being red. When jalapenos are too green, they dilute that iconic color. It isn’t just the hue that’s halting the hot sauce — green peppers are also less spicy than their more developed red pepper peers. And what’s Sriracha without spice?

Our advice is to sample some local sauces that bring on the heat.

Wild Earth Fermentation | Try the Wildfire, Citrus Tears, Scorpion King, or Green Queen varieties.

Clark + Hopkins | This Virginia company’s Assam sauce has been featured on “Hot Ones,” so you know it’s the real deal.

AR’s Hot Southern Honey | It might not be a perfect hot sauce swap, but this condiment packs a mean kick and can be added to marinades and dressings or just served with chicken.

Still looking for heat? Try the Citrus Habanero Hot Sauce from Six & Main. Get more local picks in our Made in Richmond guide, which features 50+ things created right here in the River City.
Poll

Would you rather...
A. Have green Sriracha sauce
B. Endure another Sriracha shortage
Share your sauce thoughts
 
Events
Tuesday, May 28
  • Flying Squirrels vs. Erie SeaWolves | Tuesday, May 28 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | The first 1,000 fans ages 15 and older will receive a Flying Squirrels umbrella to fend off the River City rain.
Wednesday, May 29
  • “The Toxic Avenger” | Wednesday, May 29 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the 1984 superhero black comedy on the big screen.
Thursday, May 30
  • 46th Annual Richmond Greek Festival | Thursday, May 30-Sunday, June 2 | Times vary | Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Ave., Richmond | Free | This classic Richmond fest includes food, dancing, music, and treasures to be found at the bazaar.
  • Carbon Leaf | Thursday, May 30 | 6 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $38 | See the rock quintet with VILLAGES at Groovin in The Garden.
Friday, May 31
  • After Dark: School’s Out Celebration | Friday, May 31 | 9-11:55 p.m. | Brambly Park, 1708 Belleville St., Richmond | Free entry | Celebrate the end of the school year with local acts Piranha Rama, Danger Birds, and Gnawing.
Saturday, June 1
  • Ashland Strawberry Faire | Saturday, June 1 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Randolph Macon College, 500 Henry St., Ashland | Free | Explore 300+ vendors and cheers to the strawberry harvest while raising money for Hanover County Public Schools and nonprofit groups.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Talk

Culture

Cancer prevention in the 21st century
Presented by a RICtoday Partner
The exterior facade of the Science Museum of Virginia.
Keep date night fun, educational, and interactive with this mystery event at the museum. | Photo provided by Science Museum of Virginia
Did you know? The five-year survival rate for many cancers is more than 90% when detected early, according to the American Cancer Society. Whether you’re a medical professional or someone whose life has been affected by cancer, new advancements can be life-changing.

On Thursday, June 6, Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, will share the latest in cancer research during “Building Trust in Science: Cancer Prevention in the 21st Century” at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Throughout this free Sunrise Science talk, attendees will learn about:
  • The science behind how cancer is formed
  • Current initiatives to improve cancer detection
  • New screening technologies poised to revolutionize cancer care in the future
Pro tip: The presentation begins at 8 a.m., but arrive when doors open at 7:30 a.m. to grab a complimentary cup of coffee to fuel your morning.
Save your spot
News Notes
Festival
  • The organizers of Jubilation in June are looking for volunteers to help put on the Juneteenth celebrations, which will take place June 15-16. Register for a shift setting up, pouring beer, or helping at various festival areas.
Richmonder
  • World Barbecue Champion and River City pitmaster Tuffy Stone will appear on an episode of the Outdoor Channel’s “Life of Fire.” Stone, a Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee, will give viewers a history lesson on the origins of American bbq. (Richmond Times-Dispatch
Shop
  • Richmonders will have two chances to shop at a pop-up vintage flea market at Main Street Station in June. SwapMeet RVA will host events on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 30, each from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Entry is free.
DYK
  • Did you know Virginia has the fifth most national champion big trees in the US? These are the biggest trees observed of their species. There are almost 80 around the state, ranked by their trunk circumference, overall height and average crown spread. (Virginia Mercury)
Finance
  • If you spent your whole Sunday reorganizing your closet, here’s another spring cleaning suggestion: Move your credit card debt. This card offers 0% interest on a balance transfer until nearly 2026. That’s almost two years to pay off your balance, sans interest. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases.*
 
Plan Ahead

Events

Gear up for Pride at these events
RICtoday_DiversityRichmond_Mural_Thrift
See the works of queer artists at the Iridian Gallery located inside Diversity Richmond. | Photo by RICtoday
June is Pride Month, and although VA Pride saves its big celebration for the milder temperatures September has to offer, the Endless Summer of Pride is just getting started.

Check out these early events to get the party started.

Scott’s Addition PrideFest | June 1-2
The calendar is packed with events at neighborhood businesses including a disco bubble bootcamp, queer comedy open mic, and drag karaoke. It wraps up Sunday evening with a Pride Patio Party at Pinky’s and closing celebrations at Don’t Look Back.

The Queer Weekend | June 1-2
Get ready for a two-day block party hosted by Richmond Makers Market at Basic City Beer Co. and Legend Brewing. Expect craft beer, live music, drag shows, and food trucks.

Richmond Recovery PrideFest | Sunday, June 2
This all-ages, sober event at Diversity Richmond will feature drag performances, vendors, free food, a mocktail bar from Point 5, and tunes from DJ Statistics.
The Buy

The Buy 5.28.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A Going membership, so you’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% off — like a $166 flight to Cancun or a $260 flight to Paris (yes, those prices are legit). We like the two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which includes international flight deals and custom destination alerts.
 
The Wrap
 
Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
If you want even more secondhand shopping spots, check out our guide with tons of vintage, thrift, and consignment stores.
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