The blizzard of ’96 blanketed all of Virginia in a layer of snow. | Photo courtesy of NOAA
If our snowy start to winter had you feeling nostalgic, your mind might be drifting back to 1996 — Jan. 6 through Jan. 8 — when Virginia was “walloped” by over a foot of snow.
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the massive storm (and 30 years since Richmond’s last Blizzard Warning).
A snowy walk through history
The winter storm was one of the largest to hit the East Coast in recent memory. The Richmond International Airport recorded over a full foot of snow, and total accumulation rose even higher in Western Henrico.
State and federal government offices shut down for two days. Schools were out for longer — Chesterfield County schools had to pause for a full nine days. Some parts of the state, especially in the Shenandoah Valley region, accumulated 3+ feet of snow.
Richmond’s snowfall records
January 1996 has become a local touchstone and remains the heaviest recorded snowfall in the last 30 years. However, if you dig back into Richmond’s history, you can find 10 storms with higher records.
Last year, we asked our readers for their 1996 blizzard memories, and we’d love to add to our collection of nostalgic tales. From shoveling snow with a nine-iron to the ultimate snow-white wedding, share your snowy story. Bonus points if you have photos.
Announced
This just in: Two stars are heading to Altria Theater later this year. Singer Patti LaBelle will join the stage in mid-April, followed by comedian Nikki Glaser in late October. Ticket sales for both open tomorrow, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m.
Drink
For the first time, a Virginia wine has made Decanter’s list of Top 50 US Wines of the Year. Barboursville Vineyards, based outside of Charlottesville, crafted the prized “Octogon” red, but you don’t have to travel for a sip. Buy a bottle for the table at Old Original Bookbinder’s — see the menu. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Closing
Four Richmond-area GameStops are powering off in a wave of company closures. If you want to check for closing sales, affected stores include those at the Shops at Stratford Hills, Staples Mill Plaza, and Northpark Shopping Center, as well as on West Broad Street near the Lombardy Kroger. (CBS 6)
Coming Soon
The Queen’s Library Tea Room + Gift Shop is making a move from Downtown Richmond to Stony Point Fashion Park. The new space will feature an expanded gift shop, bookshelves reaching the ceiling, and room for up to 100 guests at a time.
Art
Calling all creatives. Submissions are open for The Richmond Chronicle, a community yearbook packed with local artist portraits and creative print work — poems, essays, fliers, photography, etc. Anyone is welcome to submit now through early February. See the guidelines.
Job
Richmond Parks + Recreation is hiring for a Recreation Programs Manager covering permits and special events. If you or someone you know might be interested, take a peek at the application.
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The Branch Museum of Design is shaping a vibrant silhouette with its upcoming exhibit, “Undeniable,” where visitors can experience the red-carpet styles of Christian Siriano and Ashley Longshore. The exhibit opens Saturday, Jan. 17, and we’re looking forward to getting a first look next week.
I really enjoyed looking back at the blizzard memories you all shared last year, and I would love to update the archive. If you can, take a minute to defrost the 1990s nostalgia and send me your favorite stories.
As an added incentive, here’s a photo of one of my childhood snow memories, although I can’t actually remember it. (I’m the one screaming.)
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