12 About Town

12 About Town Videos

"American Alligators" makes debut at Maymont in Richmond

 

By Karla Redditte

Check out the "pearly whites" on Cyprus! With a smile like this, he could be the next Colgate model!

However, Cyprus is an alligator. He doesn't model. And this probably is not a smile. It is just his polite way of saying "keep your distance, sweet cheeks."

Cyprus and his friends are part of the new "American Alligator" exhibit at Maymont Nature Center. The baby gators will make their public debut on Saturday, August 2 - two will be on display, and three will make appearances during environmental education programs for the public and schools.

In addition to the alligator exhibit, visitors will be able to watch fish and turtle feeding demonstrations at 12 noon, and otter training at 2:30 p.m. Guests can also see lined seahorses, Hippocampus erectus, a species native to the Chesapeake Bay that is also new to the Nature Center animal family.

Admission to the Nature Center is $3 for adults and youth ages 13 and older; $2 for children ages 4 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and older. Admission is free for Maymont members.

 

Copyright 2014 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved

Saxon Shoes in Short Pump gets moving for National Dance Day

You've heard the phrase "dance the night away." In fact, Van Halen wrote a song about it.

But what about those of us who want to dance the morning away?

Saxon Shoes to the rescue for us "morning owls"!

Photo courtesy: Saxon Shoes

Put on your favorite pair of dancing shoes and head to Saxon Shoes this Saturday morning to celebrate "National Dance Day."

Saxon Shoes has partnered with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign to offer a free dance class at its Short Pump location. The fun begins at 10 a.m.. It is designed to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The class, which is open to men and women, will be taught by Saxon's own Kemel Patton, who is a hip-hop/line dance instructor!

So wear your red, and get to movin'! (And ladies, why not buy some "fab" pumps while your there?!)

Click here to read more about National Dance Day.

Copyright 2014 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved

Tap into the National Beer Expo this week in Richmond

Photo courtesy: National Beer Expo

Do you like craft beer? If so, read on.

Breweries from all over the country are in Richmond this week, showcasing more than 200 artisan-made American craft beers in the Capital Ale House National Beer Expo. The expo runs July 15 - 20, and will give attendees numerous opportunities to taste craft beer while enjoying Richmond's culinary, brewing, and cultural excellence.

Expo events are being held in various locations, including the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Click here for more information on locations, ticket prices, schedules, exhibitors, and more.

 

Copyright 2014 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved

5 Things to Do: Weekend of July 12-13

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, check out these 5 fun events!

Caroline County Agricultural Fair
Wednesday, July 9 - Saturday, July 12
Website

The Caroline County Fair guarantees fun for the entire family! The 4-day tradition includes carnival rides, kids' entertainment, music, food, a petting zoo, tractor exhibits, and more. (There's even a pie eating contest!) The fair is designed to educate the community on all aspects of agriculture.

 

Hanover Tomato Festival
Saturday, July 12, 9:00am-4:00pm
Website

Celebrate Hanover's famous fruit at the 36th annual Hanover Tomato Festival. The event is held at Pole Green Park, and is a traditional celebration to promote the Hanover Community and features the famous Hanover Tomato. Held annually on the 2nd Saturday in July, the Hanover Tomato Festival is a free, family-oriented event with live musical entertainment, rides, games, a petting zoo, over 200 vendors, delicious tomato dishes, the crowning of Little Miss and Tiny Miss Tomato, Hanover Tomatoes and much more.

 

Return of the Curls
Saturday, July 12, 10:00am-5:00pm
Website

Return of the Curls presents "Curls Around the World: Natural Hair Expo and Hair Show" at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The event includes on-site hair/beauty consultations, exciting speakers and giveaways, and "swag bags" (for the first 500 attendees). The expo guarantees to have something for every hue, gender, size and curl!

Photo courtesy: Cally Logan

An Evening in the Park
Saturday, July 12, 7:00pm
Midlothian Mines Park & Amphitheatre

Enjoy an Evening in the Park, with music by the Cally Logan Band. Recording artist, Cally Logan, will be performing her hit, "Friend Zone!" This Benefit Concert will be this Saturday, July 12th, at the Midlothian Mines Park & Amphitheatre at 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy a summer evening in the park, with music, food, and fun! The concert is free and donations are welcomed! This concert is to benefit Children's Miracle Network.

 

 

Twin Hickory Park Grand Opening & Dedication
Saturday, July 12, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Website

Henrico County Division of Recreation and Parks will dedicate Twin Hickory Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 12 at 5007 Twin Hickory Road in Henrico. This event, which is open to the public, will feature remarks by county officials, exhibits, activities, and entertainment by Manny Green.Twin Hickory Park includes walking trails, open play areas, multi-purpose field, landscaping, irrigation, a picnic shelter with restrooms, a playground for 2-5 year olds and one for 6-12 year olds. The most unique characteristic of the park is the "Sprayground", a small, whimsical, zero-depth water play feature intended for children 12 or under with adult supervision.

 

Copyright 2014 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved

Carytown Cupcakes offers a side of the bubbly in Richmond

By Robin Wicker

For many people, pairing the right drink with a meal is almost as important as the food itself.  For instance, a rich, dry Cabernet Sauvignon pairs deliciously with a steak and many prefer a crisp, white wine with fish.

Photo courtesy: Carytown Cupcakes

But have you ever considered which beverage would pair well with…a cupcake?

Carytown Cupcakes, located in the heart of Carytown at 3111 West Cary Street, has already considered just that. 

To celebrate its new ABC license, the cupcake shop will host a launch event on Friday, July 11^th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where it will begin serving alcohol.

The shop plans to begin this new venture by serving craft beers on tap from Richmond’s Hardywood Brewery and from Devil’s Backbone, located in Nelson County. Also on tap will be Richmond’s Blue Bee Cider and Prosecco.

Two white wines, a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and two red wines, Barbera and Cabernet, will also be available.

If you can’t make it to Friday’s launch event, be sure to swing by the cupcake shop on Saturday, July 12^th or Sunday, July 13^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to try a complimentary cupcake sample.

Copyright 2014 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved

You're Invited to Maggie Walker's 150th Birthday Celebration in Richmond!

By Karla Redditte

Raise your hand if you love birthday parties. Especially the ones that include lots of ice cream and cake.

Since I'm sure you are waving your hands in the air (like you just don't care), guess what? You are invited to a very special birthday party this Saturday - celebrating this elegant lady right here!

Photo courtesy: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic site will host a 150th birthday celebration for the one and only Maggie Walker! (She died in 1934, but her legacy of activism and entrepreneurship still lives on.) The bash, which is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include free tours of her historic home in Jackson Ward, children's crafts, activities, entertainment, and, of course, cake and ice cream! You can also take advantage of the "Common Good Fair," which will allow you to connect with various groups to get involved in your community.

Photo courtesy: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

From 10am to 12 noon, park rangers will offer "Maggie Walker's Richmond Bus Tour", which will explore some of the local sites associated with her life and work. The bus tour is $20, and you must register to participate.

Photo courtesy: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Now, if you can't make it Saturday, don't worry. The celebration continues on Tuesday, July 15 (Walker's actual birthday). A special ceremony will be held at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, commemorating Walker's life and accomplishments through the words and stories of people who lived during her time. Trust me, this will be fascinating!

Click here for more information.

 

Copyright 2014 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved