Mary Jane and David D. got married at St. John’s United Church of Christ during the 1996 storm. | Photos courtesy of Cece D.
We may not have gotten the showstopping snowfall we were anticipating this past weekend, but we’re defrosting some memories nonetheless.
Last month, we trudged through the history of the Blizzard of 1996. Now, it’s time to revisit our readers’ memories of the historic snowfall, starting with a wholesome reinvention of “cold feet” on your wedding day.
A snow-white wedding
“My parents got married in Richmond during the January 1996 blizzard. We can never remember the exact date of the wedding because it had to be moved, [but] ironically more people from out of town were able to make it because they were staying in nearby hotels, as opposed to their Richmond-area friends who were snowed in!” — Cece D.
Want to share your story of the 1996 blizzard?Send it our way.
Lights Up! @ Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education, Chester | Free visual and performing arts workshops and performances by local arts organizations, designed for youth of all ages and their families.*
VisArts is lined up to open a second space in The Fan.
Photo by RICtoday
Closed
Government offices and facilities will remain closed today, Jan. 27, in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and more surrounding areas. Stay prepared amid winter weather conditions, and check in with local resources for updates.
City
Richmond trash collections will resume today, Jan. 27, with limited operations. The city advises residents to leave trash cans at collection points, as some routes may be inaccessible due to road conditions.
Weather
Which surrounding county stacked up the most snow and sleet over the weekend? According to National Weather Service reports, Powhatan accounted for 5.3 inches as of Sunday, Jan. 25. Further out, Louisa took the iced cake with 7.5 inches. Richmond tapped out at 2.1 inches. (Times-Dispatch)
Small Biz
Richmond’s only non-alcoholic bottle shop is expanding its franchise — not within RVA, sadly, but in Williamsburg. Point5 announced the news at the start of the week, but folks can stay tuned for an official opening date.
Development
The City of Richmond’s ~$13 million funding gap for the Diamond District is now 80% filled. The CVTA will provide $10.3 million, leaving the city responsible for $2.6 million. According to Mayor Danny Avula, the city will fund the remainder through the Richmond Economic Development Authority. (BizSense)
Coming Soon
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond is expanding in the Fan following the purchase of the former Fan Tastic Thrift building on West Main Street. The team is considering gallery improvements as well as increased programming and studio space — all just down the block from its home base. (Style Weekly)
Learn
Local nonprofit Shalom Farms is launching a lineup of spring workshops, starting with Sharpening 101, which will cover the basics of effective tool sharpening. The class will take place on Saturday, March 21, and optional donations will support educator stipends. Registration is open.
Job
You’re three times more likely to get hired with GetHiredNow, TopResume’s personalized job placement service that reduces job-search friction, time, and stress. Pay one fee + get dedicated one-on-one support until you’re hired — guaranteed. Explore plans and book a consultation.*
Shop
If we could only buy one thing this month? We’d buy two — a two-piece set, that is. Eliminate outfit guesswork + look instantly put together with this best-selling comfy travel set, or turn the cozy up a notch with this knit loungewear set.*
The Buy
One of our favorite on-the-go essentials: deodorizing body wipes. We stash them in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick little refresh.
🗓️ Which major event occurred in Richmond in 1961?
After featuring this iconic retro home built in 1961, we tested your knowledge of the year.
This one was tough, but 41% of you still landed on the correct answer. In December of 1961, voters rejected a proposal to merge Richmond and Henrico County.
Around that time...
1958: Richmond Petersburg Turnpike opened
1960: Richmond 34 protested Thalhimer’s by way of sit-in
1962: Eleanor Parker Sheppard elected first woman mayor
Did anyone go sledding this weekend? Make an icy snowman? Curl up with a read from a local bookstore? If so, send in a photo or two so we can collect some new memories.
This weekend’s recorded snowfalls might not make it into the history books, but I’ll never forget the grocery-store chaos in the days leading up.
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