Best & Worst Events in 2010

Stand-Outs

Renegade Carytown NYE
Even though Carytown Merchants Association decided not to host the event last year due to crushing expenses, Todd Schall-Vess, manager of the Byrd Theatre and creator of the giant illuminated ball that sparked the event in the first place, dropped the ball anyway. About 1,500 diehard fans showed up in the cold to see it. We say bravo. And this year, they're going to do it again. Read about it here.

Squirrels Baseball Games & Fireworks
It's official -- the Squirrels brought back fun to the Diamond. With tons of crazy events planned throughout the games including fireworks, potato sack races and Nutzy himself -- the Squirrels games were the place to be this summer with an average home game attendance of 6,626. Go Squirrels!

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Grand Re-Opening
What a weekend! The grand opening weekend ran from morning until midnight packed with a slew of fantastic activities like live music, Tibetan monks making mandalas, giant artsy puppets dancing to steel drums, Lego-building arts projects and much more. Plus free food, free kids' activities, free tours and much more -- it was a one of a kind weekend and truly celebrated the power of the arts. Bravo and job well done, VMFA.

Dominion Riverrock
In its second year, Riverrock really hit its stride this year. Over 20,000 people turned out for the sports and outdoor festival on Brown's Island that showcased kayaking, river rafting and air dogs. Plus free concerts from big-name performers like Grace Potter & the Nocturnals got Richmonders turning out in droves and earned rave reviews.

Richmond Folk Festival
Three days, 23 musicians from all over the world, six stages, Brown's Island and great weather. It couldn't have been better. If you missed it, you should be sad.

First Fridays
This monthly art walk just passed the 10-year mark. Can you believe it? It's an official Richmond institution and a much-needed breath of fresh air to Broad. And it's not just art galleries that are seeing the action. It's also bars and restaurants that are hopping along Broad the first Friday of every month. And we love to see it. Also, we're very proud to be First Fridays online sponsor. Check out our First Fridays Guide for what's new at First Fridays.

Christmas Parade
Because Rudolph's death made news across the world. We love you Rudolph! Can't wait to see you again, patched up and new, next year.

Old Regulars:

Easter on Parade
Always a good time. Great weather, good people, fantastic weather and so Richmond with everybody in their Easter bonnets.

Halloween on Hanover
Halloween has been fantastic on Hanover for years. It's like a carnival right here in our city and perfect for kids. Read all about it with our wrap-up.

Greek Fest
Red, red, wine. You get us every year. And even though we had record temps, this fun festival with plenty of shade from white tents was a big hit.

Broad Appetit
This foodie-fest in its third year is really getting into its swing. Lots of great Richmond food from our favorite restaurants at an affordable price.

GardenFest of Lights
Always wows. And this year is no exception.

Tacky Lights
It's so Richmond. And we love it. Plus it's free (at least to viewers, a huge thank you to homeowners who do the "tacky lights" each year!) and it's a great thing to do with kids.

The Worst:

World Beer Fest
Great idea, good concept, rotten timing. It was about 300 degrees on Brown's Island. I didn't know it could be too hot to drink a beer, but you know what? It can. And it was. Move the date please.

Dragon Boat Fest
Again, great idea. Rotten timing. Delirious heat, weird groups powering the boats, just didn't take off.

Who did we miss? Which events were your faves? Which ones disappointed? Shout 'em out on the Comments!