ICYMI (or were just a wee snowflake at the time), here’s what happened: The weekend of January 6-8, 1996, Virginia was hit with over a foot of snow.
While the day did bring its fair share of aggravation like power outages and even a collapsed building in Louisa, residents around Richmond have plenty of fond memories as well.
Here are some more snowtable facts about Richmond’s relationship to snow.
Other heavy snowfalls in Richmond
21.6 inches, January 1940
19.1 inches, January 1922
17.7 inches, February 1983
17.2 inches, December 1908
16.3 inches, February 1899
Before you clean out the grocery store of milk, bread, and eggs this year, check out this winter’s forecast. Hint: We’re not really on track for a super snowy season.
Wanna Be On Top? Drag Competition | The Camel | $8 | This new competition will feature performances by London LeStrange, Melanin Monroe, and Michelle Lavigne.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
The Malmedy Massacre: Eighty Years Later | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join Virginia War Memorial Director Jim Triesler for a discussion of the World War II attack.
Shockoe Session Live! Naughty or Nice? | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | In Your Ear Studios | $15 | Get tickets to see Commonwealth Concert Opera live in person, or stream the holiday show online.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Movie Night | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall | Free entry | Sample the latest beer release and enjoy a screening of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at the brewery.
Deep Noise Nights | 7-11:30 p.m. | Gallery5 | $10+ | It’s the most wonderful time of the year for an evening of intentional abstract sound.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Gone Country | 7 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery | $12+ | The country band will perform an Alan Jackson set as part of the brewery’s Discover Virginia Roots music series.
Friday, Dec. 20
Runaway Gin | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $15 | Join the South Carolina-based Phish tribute act for an evening of tunes.
Presented by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
In 2023, Goodwill kept more than 43 million pounds of items out of landfills through its various recycling programs. | Photos provided by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
The holidays are a great time to declutter your home — but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to do with your extra stuff.Donating to your local Goodwill is a great way to make space for new things while giving back to our community.
Here’s how to get started:
Set clear goals: Decide which areas of your home you want to tackle first.
Declutter one room at a time: Focusing on a single space helps keep things manageable.
Sort your belongings: As you go through your stuff, create piles of things to keep, donate, and recycle.
Donate what you don’t need: Instead of throwing away gently-used items, consider donating them to Goodwill. This helps keep items out of landfills.
Did you know? Your Goodwill donations are sold in stores, recycled into textiles, or repurposed into items like asphalt + turf. By donating, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Psst… All contributions are tax-deductible.
Brave Captain, the nautical-themed bar going into the former Mojo’s space, is expected to open this week. The concept comes from Herbie Abernethy and Josh Novicki, who are also behind Cobra Cabana and Hot For Pizza. (RVA Mag)
Community
The three new community centers the city is building are expected to open in 2025. Construction on the Southside Community Center is scheduled to be complete this winter, while Lucks Field and T.B. Smith should open in May or June. (The Richmonder)
Development
Plans look to be back on for an Amazon fulfillment center in Goochland. The company bought a 105-acre site in Rockville for $16.5 million. The county is in the process of reviewing permit applications related to the project. (Richmond BizSense)
Traffic
Chesterfield will reportedly remove the 75-cent toll near the westernmost end of Powhite after the first phase of the Powhite Parkway extension is complete and the bonds expire. The project is expected to wrap up in 2026. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Try This
Calling all “Survivor” fans. Find out if you have what it takes to outwit, outplay, and outlast your fellow Richmonders during a live reality game based on the CBS competition show. The SuRVAvor game will take place over two days in June; cast applications are due by Sunday, Dec. 22.
Holiday
If you’re exchanging gifts this holiday season, check out these recycling tips from CVWMA. Pro tip: Cardboard boxes and plain paper cards are good to recycle, but tissue paper, wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons are a no-go.
Feel Good
Caffeine and community engagement. Those are the things that fuel our days here at RICtoday. Donate now to support your RICtoday team so we can continue to bring you this free, daily newsletter chock-full of local need-to-knows, upcoming events, city news, and more.
Family
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is proud to be part of “Museums for All,” a program that offers discounted admission to families receiving food assistance. Show your SNAP EBT card, P-EBT card, EBT App, or WIC card and receive $2 admission for up to six individuals. Learn more.*
History
Uncover a hidden chapter of American history at “Who’s Your Founding Father?” — a thought-provoking lecture on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at VMHC, offering a fresh perspective on our nation’s founding. This special event is part of the museum’s multi-year celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.*
Shop
These best-selling men’s flannel pajama pants are comfortable, warm, and soft to the touch. Hello, new favorite pants of the season.*
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of high waisted joggers. They’re constructed with ultra-soft modal fabric, making them perfect for casual hangouts with friends + family over the holidays.
I love “Survivor” — in case you’re wondering, Rachel is my winner pick for the upcoming finale — but it’s unclear how I’d fare during SuRVAvor. For those cast, I’m sure the honor and glory of being crowned champion will be worth playing for.