Events
Official dedication of Arthur Ashe Boulevard, related celebrations set for June 22nd
The dedication will include remarks from local and state elected officials and a ceremonial sign unveiling. The event is free and open to the public.
In partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond will co-host the official dedication of Arthur Ashe Boulevard on Saturday, June 22nd at 11:00 AM on the museum’s front lawn, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
The dedication will include remarks from local and state elected officials and a ceremonial sign unveiling. The event is free and open to the public.
“This summer we officially honor one of Richmond’s native sons and humanitarians as we are telling the stories of ALL of RVA’s people,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Arthur Ashe is a true champion, and this recognition is well-deserved as he took what he learned growing up in our neighborhoods and used those experiences to make the world a better place.”
Growing up in Richmond, Virginia in the 1950s, and denied access to Byrd Park, the premier, all-white recreational facility, Ashe learned to play tennis in the city’s park for blacks, Brook Field. At 18, in 1961, Ashe became the first black player to win the previously all-white National Interscholastic tournament in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Two years later, he became the first black player selected for the U.S. Davis Cup team. In 1968, he became the first black man to win the U.S. Open. But Ashe didn’t stop at the U.S. border: In 1973, during apartheid, he traveled to Johannesburg to become the first black player to compete in the South Africa Open. The memory of segregation-of separate but unequal – would lead him to become a lifelong integrationist, both in his words and actions.
“What an amazing time to be in the City of Richmond – a time inspired by the legacy of my uncle, Arthur Ashe, Jr.,” said David Harris, nephew of Arthur Ashe. “We want to thank the City of Richmond for your efforts in doing what is right. Together, we will show the world what can be done when we come together with purpose, generosity, and intentionality for the greatness of our city.”
The event also coincides with the opening of the VHMC groundbreaking exhibition, Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality. Determined explores the black experience from the 1619 arrival of the first enslaved Africans in English North America to the present day. The exhibit traces the ways in which black people have profoundly shaped the course of American history and the nature of American democracy through their fight for freedom, equality, and justice. Determined features dozens of artifacts that tell the compelling stories of a selection of remarkable Virginians, including Arthur Ashe, Jr. Click here to view the VHMC release further detailing the exhibition.
“We are deeply honored to host this important ceremony and excited about what it means for the future of this historic institution, our great city, and our Commonwealth,” said Jamie O. Bosket, president & CEO of VMHC. “It will be a special privilege to welcome dignitaries and special guests from our city, around Virginia and across the nation as we make an important step forward in remembering one of Richmond’s most famous sons and better tell a complete story of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
On June 22, the public will be invited to park at the Arthur Ashe Center, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Shuttles will operate on the Arthur Ashe Boulevard corridor to assist with public attendance.
The official sign unveiling will occur in front of VMHC beginning at 11 a.m. After the unveiling, the museum will be open free to visitors to view the new exhibit.
In addition, the City of Richmond will be hosting an Arthur Ashe Boulevard Community Celebration starting at 1:00 PM at the Arthur Ashe Center. The community celebration will be open to the public and will include tennis clinics, musical guests, food trucks, and more.
Events
Maymont prepares for Dominion Energy Family Easter with call for volunteers
The event, taking place on April 8th from 9 am to 3 pm, is expected to draw in thousands of guests who will enjoy a day filled with activities, games, crafts, live entertainment, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.
Maymont, Richmond’s beloved Victorian estate, is gearing up for the largest single-day volunteer event of the year, Dominion Energy Family Easter. The event, taking place on April 8th from 9 am to 3 pm, is expected to draw in thousands of guests who will enjoy a day filled with activities, games, crafts, live entertainment, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.
With an expanded Community Zone featuring local heroes and helpers, three stages for performances, and a mini-tour of the Maymont Mansion, this year’s Dominion Energy Family Easter is bigger and better than ever.
Maymont is calling for volunteers to assist with various tasks throughout the day and make the event a success. Volunteers will work in four-hour shifts starting at 6:30 am, 8 am, 11 am, or 2 pm, either greeting guests or assisting with activities, games, and crafts. Volunteers will also help set up and clean up. Maymont welcomes youth volunteers, but those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteering as a group is a great opportunity to give back to the community and have fun at the same time. Families or groups of friends are encouraged to volunteer together and help make the day unforgettable for thousands of guests. Those interested in volunteering can sign up here.
Events
Hello Kitty Truck rolls into Short Pump Town Center this Saturday
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.
Fans of the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty are in for a treat as the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls back into Richmond this Saturday, March 18th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The truck will be stationed at the main entrance of the Short Pump Town Center by Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to indulge in a variety of exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles.
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, famous for delicious treats and adorable collectibles, announced that they have added new items to their menu for the Richmond event, including a Hello Kitty Cafe Cup Plush, a Hello Kitty Cafe Coin Bank, a Glass Mug with Sprinkle Handle, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lunchbox, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lavender T-Shirt, a Hello Kitty Cafe Canvas Tote, and a Hello Kitty Cafe Rainbow Thermos. Fans can also grab hand-decorated cookie sets, enamel pin sets, and Madeleine cookie sets.
Visitors to the truck can look forward to the best-selling Hello Kitty Cafe Plush Toys and Giant Hello Kitty Cafe Chef Cookies as well. The truck makes yearly stops in different cities and has been a big hit with fans since it was introduced in 2014.
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out the new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.
Events
2nd annual Farm Graze event will celebrate agriculture on March 25th at Deep Run Park
Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities.
Henrico 4-H Youth Development will hold a free community celebration of agriculture with the second annual Farm Graze event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities. Youth will be able to complete a passport book by visiting the various exhibitors, with prizes awarded for the first 100 turned in.
Farm Graze also will collect donated items for the Henrico Animal Shelter, including used towels and blankets; Kongs and treats for dogs; toys for cats; and dry kibble and formula for kittens. All activities will take place in the recreation center or on the event field.
Henrico 4-H will showcase its programs and opportunities. Other exhibitors will include Henrico Extension, Master Gardeners, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico Recreation and Parks, Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District, Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Virginia State University Small Ruminant Farm, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, West End Farmers Market and RVA City Bees.
For more information, call (804) 501-5160 or go to henrico.us/extension.
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