New Year’s Eve 1999 promised to be a unique one, ushering in the dawn of a new millennium with celebrations worldwide. But the symbolic event also prompted warnings of the potential fallout from the
Y2K computer bug , causing businesses and government agencies, including those in Richmond and the state of Virginia, to prepare for and prevent a worst-case scenario. The Y2K software problem specifically referred to the use of a two-digit number in tracking the current year in computer programming, which could have reset systems from 1999 to the year 1900 and caused systems failures. In order to prevent any such issues, the state of Virginia spent over $200 million in preparations, which included upgrading old and outdated technology.
A clipping from the Dec. 29, 1999, Richmond Times-Dispatch showed how locals were stocking up for the potentially troublesome millennium. An article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Dec. 16, 1999, reads, “Though state agencies have completed the more than 56,000 ‘milestones’ of checks, fixes, replacements, tests and contingency planning for potential problems from Y2K computer bugs, Virginia authorities are readying to handle problems that could crop up for days — or longer — after Jan. 1, 2000.”
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Bette Dillehay, head of the Century Date Change Initiative Project Office who was tasked with ensuring the commonwealth of Virginia was prepared, predicted a “series of minor disruptions” rather than major causes for alarm. Meanwhile, Virginia Commonwealth University’s
Medical College of Virginia hospitals did a two-week, $245,000 inventory of critical medical supplies, water and fuel for its steam plant. The Department of Transportation had 1,800 employees working over New Year’s weekend to ensure traffic signals ran, tunnels stayed open and toll booths collected fees. And city and county officials reassured citizens that, in case of traffic signals going out, they were prepared to go back to the tried-and-true method of traffic control: stop signs. Likewise, Virginia Power — now Dominion Energy — did thorough checks of its system, which cost the utility around $30 million. Meanwhile, local stores kept ample supplies of essentials on hand in case of emergency. Costco in Chesterfield County stocked up on necessary survival items, like bottled water, propane fuel, flashlights, emergency first-aid kits and batteries. Ukrop’s grocery stores organized a special section of the store for Y2K essentials like bottled water, batteries and paper towels. Gas stations kept additional fuel reserves to meet expected demand of customers filling up before Jan. 1. And D & P Shooting Range and Sporting Goods in Chesterfield also said its customers were buying extra ammunition ahead of the new year. Locals also bought generators for backup power, which led to a long waitlist at Northern Discount Tools and Equipment in South Richmond; the shop also said a lot of customers had bought hand-crank flashlights and radios. With so many people planning on purchasing a generator for the first time, Virginia Power advised people to consult an expert before buying one. Coincidentally, an emergency generator on the way to the Arlington Courthouse ahead of New Year’s Eve fell off the truck and spilled 400 gallons of fuel. While reactions about the millennium bug ranged from caution to apocalyptic panic, many Richmonders mustered only a shrug. “I bought absolutely nothing to prepare for Y2K,” Ray Owens said in a Dec. 29, 1999, article in The Times-Dispatch. “Absolutely nothing.” The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond was also one of 12 district banks and 80 currency storage sites to receive part of a combined $50 billion for emergency funds in case of financial panic. When Jan. 1, 2000, arrived, fears of mass disruptions caused by the Y2K bug turned out to be mostly for naught. The Federal Reserve Bank even sent the cash back to the Federal Reserve, noting that the demand never materialized. Although some glitches took place, like a failure of credit-card swipe machines in the U.K., the accidental generation of a 100-year late fee at a video store in New York City, and the campaign website of then-Vice President Al Gore briefly showing a date of January 19100. As a Jan. 2, 2000, article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch put it, “The much-hyped Y2K bug did nothing to anything, anywhere in Virginia yesterday.”
From the archives: 120 photos of Richmond during the December holidays
1950
This December 1950 image of East Broad Street at Fifth Street in downtown Richmond shows crowds of holiday shoppers visiting such stores as Baker's, Peoples Drug, Swatty's Pants, Haverty's Furniture and Raylass Department Store. 1951
In December 1951, the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and Women’s Army Corps raised funds, through softball games, to purchase hundreds of Christmas toys for children under the care of the Richmond Social Service Bureau. From left are Henry Schwarzschild, chairman of the recruiters’ military manpower committee; Geraldine Rist, a child welfare official; Santa; and Capt. George Lescanec, commanding officer of the Richmond recruiting station. 1951
In December 1951, Mrs. Herbert Flax showed her daughter, Susan April, how the light candles on the menorah in celebration of Hanukkah at Temple Beth Israel in Richmond. Flax was chairwoman of Women’s Club gift shop. 1955
In December 1955, pedestrians scurried across a busy Broad Street at Fourth Street in downtown Richmond as Christmas shopping was in full swing. There were festivities planned all over town, including a party at the SPCA, a television special put on by local labor unions and holiday activities at area hospitals. 1957
Lois Kilpatrick's daughter, Jan Kilpatrick, left, and her friend, Antoinette Long, both aged 4, with the Legendary Santa in 1957. 1963
In December 1963, workers in the Henrico Christmas Mother campaign sorted gifts of food and toys collected at county schools. The donations were then taken to the welfare department and distributed to needy families. The campaign also was nearing its cash contribution goal of $2,500. 1963
12-20-1963: Indians bring annual tribute: Chief Tecumseh Deerfoot Cook (right) and a delegation of his Pamunkey Indian tribe carried on an ancient Virginia tradition yesterday by bringing their annual Christmas tribute of game to the Governor. Helping out in the presentation to Governor Harrison on the Capitol steps are Walter Hill, 7, and Ann Hill, 11, with E. M. Bradby, Pamunkey councilman. This year's tribute included a large goose and three ducks, all bagged by Pamunkey huntsmen. After the formal presentation, Chief Cook led his followers in a brief danced executed to the beat of a tom-tom. 1966
In December 1966, drivers in a toll lane at the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike’s Falling Creek interchange are greeted by a cheery holiday message instead of the usual illuminated “go” sign. 1968
On Dec. 23, 1968, Stanley S. Kidwell Jr. and his three children – from left, 5-year-old Rhanna, 7-year-old Megan and 8-year-old Wendy – watched the stuffed animals prance in the snow in the window display of Miller & Rhoads downtown. Under the direction of Addison Lewis, the Miller & Rhoads Christmas window displays became one of the most anticipated parts of the season in Richmond. 1973
In December 1973, the Jefferson Hotel’s lighted Christmas tree in the atrium was a rare bright spot during the energy crisis – most traditional holiday lights, from tree lights to candles in windows, remained dark during that year’s season. Huge Christmas tree at Jefferson Hotel is one of few lighted ones. Most other trees in public places in Richmond area are without lights this year. 1973
In December 1973, Hal Weafer stood with one of his Christmas trees - he had been cutting down the fir balsam trees at his property in Maine and delivering them to Richmonders for 50 years. Weafer was a former first baseman for the minor-league Richmond Colts who later became a baseball umpire. 1973
On Christmas Eve 1973, 4-year-old Greg Murphey (front) and 6-year-old brother Scott slept by the fire at their Richmond home – hoping that Santa Claus would make some noise during his visit so that they could catch him at work, filling their stockings and leaving presents under the tree. 1973
In December 1973, Al J. Schalow Jr. showed 3-year-old son John an in-progress creation. Schalow had been saving wood from his Christmas trees for several years and carving projects that could take up to a year. 1974
In December 1974, young members of Temple B’nai Shalom lighted candles on the menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. The synagogue, which was on Three Chopt Road in Henrico County, later merged with Temple Beth-El in Richmond. 1979
This December 1979 image shows “Bruce the Spruce,” a talking and singing Christmas tree that entertained children waiting to see Legendary Santa at Miller & Rhoads downtown. When Legendary Santa moved after the department store closed, Bruce followed along, but he has yet to appear at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, where Legendary Santa can be found these days. 1982
In December 1982, a celebration of the seven-day Kwanzaa holiday began at Richmond’s Hippodrome Theater with a reading of the Nguzo Saba, the seven core principles, by Jamil Mulazim. Douglas Webber (left) and Umar Kenyatta lit symbolic candles. Kwanzaa, derived from the Swahili term for “first fruits,” was developed as an African-American celebration in the 1960s. 1984
In December 1984, visitors lined up to tour the house at 2005 W. Grace St. in Richmond’s Fan District. That year, residents of the Church Hill and Fan neighborhoods opened their doors for Christmas house tours. Each tour had a theme – in the Fan, it was “The Elegance of Christmas.” Almost 200 volunteers assisted with tours, and 75 hosts shared their homes. On Grace Street, three newly renovated homes were featured, which contributed to long lines. 1988
In December 1988, a candlelight walk on Church Hill in Richmond was a highlight of the neighborhood’s annual weekend Christmas Festival. Other seasonal events around the city included a holiday musical at the Byrd Theatre and “Nutcracker” performances by the Richmond Ballet. 1990
In December 1990, comedian-actors Chevy Chase (right) and Steve Martin helped tether a balloon during the Jaycees Christmas parade in Richmond. The two were in town filming a music video for Paul Simon that took place during the parade. The video was for the song “Proof.” 1991
Here Comes Who? Santa Claus arrives at the Shops at Willow Lawn for the shopping mall's annual Santa Parade. The "jolly old elf" showed up last night in a wheeled sleigh pulled by a team of apparently well-fed reindeer, much to the delight of onlookers. Santa and his reindeer were accompanied in the parade through the mall parking lot by two police cars and a pickup truck. 1996
Dexter Martin Jr. 3, tried on a Kufi (hat) and matching vest at the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Ashe Center. 1997
Everybody's favorite cat, Garfield, in the form of a giant helium balloon, looks as if he's eyeing up a traffic signal for a snack as he makes his way down Broad Street in the Ukrop's /Retail Merchants Association Christmas parade. This photo was shot from the 6th Street Marketplace near parade's end. 1997
Christmas decoration on homes. House at 9606 Asbury Court, home of Earl and Rose Phifer. 1997
Long shadows and cold temperatures can mean only one thing, Maymont's annual Christmas Open House. These patrons are enjoying a chilly ride past the Dooley House. 1997
Volunteers dressed up in their finest Victorian-era clothing at Maymont's annual Christmas Open House, Sunday. From left is Georgiann Davis, Edward Hayter Gerri Hayter, and Jeanine Kelly. 1999
2000
Lead singer Olamina of the Awareness Art Ensemble, performs on stage at the Capital City Kwanzaa festival at Richmond Centre on Sat. 12/30/2000. 2001
Adults joined young people at Temple Beth El School at 601 N. Parham Rd. in lighting menorahs as part of their celebration of Hanukah, which celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 BC. Singing and food were also a part of the celebration. The school is located in western Henrico County. 2001
2002
Cooper Hamby , 2 yrs. old,(left), is not real thrilled with the Legendary Santa as his brother Jake Hamby, 4 yrs. old, waits patiently to tell santa what he would like for Christmas 11/30/02 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in downtown Richmond. 2002
2003
Downtown Richmond illumionated on the evening of 12/5/03. 2003
The colorful lights of a Christmas tree sparkle in the rain during the hoiliday illumination at James Center on 12/5/03. 2003
James Center illuminated for the holidays on 12/5/03. The lights went on at 6:28pm. 2004
Richmonders jammed the downtown area Friday evening for the annual Grand Illumination at the James Center. 2004
Newly weds Laurinda and Troy Robinson of Hanover were balloon handlers in the Ukrop's/Retail Merchants Association Christmas Parade. 12/04/04 They were married October 10. 2004
Christmas decorations surround 9716 Wendhurst Drive Monday, December 13, 2004. 2004
Some of the 20 boats in the 12th Annual James River Parade of Lights float east on the James River in this view from Libby Hill Park in Church Hill. 2004
Helena Lewis of Goochland sits wrapped in a blanket in Libby Hill Park to view the start of the 12th Annual James River Parade of Lights. 2005
Lee-Davis HS (Mechanicsville) Marching Band participated in the Ashland Christmas Parade held in Ashland Sunday, November 20, 2005. 2005
(From left) Alyssa Peaco, 7, and her sister Jenna, 9, kiss Santa's cheeks after showing him their Christmas letters during the Legendary Santa's opening weekend at the Children's Museum of Richmond on Saturday. 2005
Emma Flynn, 5, of Richmond waits in line (on her father's shoulders) for her turn on the carousel at the grand illumination in Richmond, Va on 12/2/05. 2005
(l-r) Jessica Vaughan, 12, Morgan Vaughan, 10, and Teresa Ofoia, 11 sit in a tree to get a better look at the stage and the popular (boy band) band B5 at the grand illumination in Richmond, Va. on 12/2/05. Radio Disney sponsored the "Jingle Jam" concert which also featured the sister trio Everlife. Both B5 and Everlife will be in the Richmond Christmas parade Saturday morning. 2005
Legendary Santa and Snow Queen arrive at the Children's Museum in Richmond, VA Wed. Sept. 21, 2005. The Children's Museum will be the new home of Legendary Santa as well as house Genworth Financial's Holiday Village. 2005
People have a good view of the Richmond skyline from Libby Hill after the James River Parade of Lights Saturday, December 10, 2005. 2006
Emanuel Crawford sells battery-powered 2006 glasses at the grand illumination in Richmond, Va. 2006
The 21st annual Grand Illumination at the James Center in downtown Richmond VA Fri. Dec. 1,2006. 2006
Attallah Muhammad (center), 9, performs with the other members of the Elegba Folklore Society during the drum call and processional at Saturday’s 2006 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Richmond Convention Center. 2006
Lit only by the glow from the thousands of lights on Bob Siceloff's yard, Chris Clore of Richmond cruises down Pine Grove Drive for a look at the neighborhood's tacky Christmas lights. 2006
Bob Siceloff stands in front of his house on Pine Grove Drive on 11/30/06. 2007
Two adjacent homes on Asbury Ct. in Henrico County. 2007
Caroline Morley, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's annual GardenFest of Lights. For photos like this, be sure to turn off the flash in order to capture the mood of the scene. And instead of saying "cheese!," allow your subjects to do as they please. 2007
Although they missed the illumination itself because of traffic, Lexi Davis (in blue), 7, came with friends Morgan Brown (left), 11, and Cameron Brown, 8, all of Chesterfield, to see the lights after the James Center's Grand Illumination on Friday in downtown Richmond. 2007
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden kicked off the holiday season last night with its GardenFest of Lights, a fantasyland of birds, flowers and butterflies as well as displays in the conservatory. This year, more than half a million lights celebrate the theme "Natural Splendors." Displayed on 11/23/07. 2008
Isabella Swatosh (center), 7, of Richmond, tells Santa about convincing her dad to buy their Christmas tree in November this year as her sister, Laura (right), 5, stands by during the grand illumination at the James Center, in Richmond, on Friday, December 5, 2008. 2008
Upton Martin III as Joseph; Victoria Quilter age 17 as Mary; and Martin's 3-week-old granddaughter Abigail Ewing as baby Jesus. They will be in the Nativity play at the Carilllon on Christmas Eve. Photo taken Wednesday, December 17, 2008. 2008
NASA astronaut Leland Melvin rides along West Broad St. during the 25th annual Ukrop's-Supervalu Christmas Parade. Melvin, a graduate of the University of Richmond, was the grand marshal of the parade. 2008
The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer float, handled by Supervalu employees, approaches a red light along Broad Street during the 25th annual Ukrop's-Supervalu Christmas Parade. Many of the floats had to be carefully tilted in order to pass beneath the traffic lights. 2008
With the city’s skyline as the backdrop, the Richmond Boat Parade of Lights will travel along the James River, starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 10. 2009
2010
Legendary Santa at the Children's Museum of Richmond, 2010. 2010
The Jefferson tree lighting, Nov.29, 2010. 2010
The Lengendary Santa descends the staircase at the Jefferson Hotel prior to the annual lighting of their Christmas tree on Nov. 29, 2010. 2010
A giant Rudolph balloon drifted onto a stop light pole extending over W. Broad St. and deflated during the annual Dominion Christmas Parade in Richmond, VA Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. 2010
At St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 50 nativity scenes were on display during the Court End Christmas event. 2010
Desmund Burruss of Ashland holds Cameron Burruss, 4 as they watch the lights of the Grand Illumination in downtown Richmond, Va. on Dec. 3, 2010. 2010
The Rudolph balloon sustained a punctured forehead while flying along West Broad Street during the Dominion Christmas Parade, Dec. 4, 2010. In the foreground are two of the Harlem Globetrotters in the parade. 2010
Dining room, decorated for Christmas, with actual china of the Dooley's seen along the Maymont House Holiday Tour, which is one of Richmond's classic Christmas-season events. 2011
Rudolph quizically approached the traffic lights at N. Allen St during the 2011 Dominion Christmas Parade, held Saturday morning, December 3, 2011. 2012
(L-R) Stephanie Johnson laughs as she and her friend Brittney Harrison pose for a friend as they kiss a reindeer during the Grand Illumination at the James Center Friday, November 30, 2012. 2012
Trees at the James Center are full of leaves during the Grand Illumination Friday, November 30, 2012. 2012
Players in the 81st annual Richmond Nativity Pageant wait before entering for their scene on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The Christmas pageant tells the story of the birth of Jesus through music and scriptures, and this year's edition had the addition of a moon hanging overhead. 2013
2013
Parents Alison and Rob Anderson encourage Asher to head back to his sister Marley and Santa during an Easter Seals Sensitive Santa evening at the Children's Museum of Richmond on Broad St. in Richmond VA Tues. Dec. 10, 2013. 2014
After illuminating the Jefferson Hotel Christmas tree, Santa greets children after the event on December 1, 2014. 2014
After the finale of the Jefferson Hotel tree lighting, Santa poses with children in front of the newly lit tree at the historic Richmond hotel on December 1, 2014. 2014
Finnegan, the golden lab, seemed relaxed as his owners, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, at podium, and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, beside podium, right, announced that John and Virginia Carroll of Claybrooke Farm in Louisa County will present this years official Executive Mansion Christmas tree and Bill and Gwen Jones of Jones Tree Farm in Spotsylvania County will present the wreaths to the Mansion during a ceremony in front of the Executive Mansion in Richmond, VA Monday, Dec. 1, 2014. 2014
Richmond Christmas Mother Maya Smart hangs snowflakes she cut out of coffee filters Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, in the windows of a trolley that will be her ride in the Dominion Christmas Parade in Richmond, VA on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014. 2014
2014
2014
Harlem Globetrotter Moose Weekes reacts after helping Trevor Musgrove, 6, spin the ball on his finger during the Dominion Christmas Parade, Dec. 6, 2014. 2014
While her mother Tempest Pritchett holds her, Peyton Wilson, 4, yells "Olaf!" after spotting the character from the movie "Frozen" during the Dominion Christmas Parade, Dec. 6, 2014. 2014
Ronald Ragland plays Christmas tunes in the 3200 block of Cary Street, in Carytown, Dec. 16, 2014. Ragland, of Richmond, said of his sidewalk performances, "I just enjoy it. I'm a people person. Some people say I sound good." His guitar case is open on the sidewalk for passers-by to drop tokens of appreciation for his music. One of the songs he plays is "Johnny B. Goode." 2014
Gavin Andreycak, 18-month-old, of Midlothian, is not quite happy with Legendary Santa as he is photographed at Children's Museum in Richmond on Saturday, December 20, 2014. 2015
Tacky Lights at 12618 Dawnridge Court, Midlothian. Christmas in Margaritaville features a wave-riding Santa and boogie board reindeer. 2015
Kermit the Frog flies low to onlookers during the Dominion Christmas Parade along West Broad Street. Kermit measures 60-ft. tall. Dec. 5, 2015. 2015
Chickahominy Indian Tribe
Brandon Adkins of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe dances with others during the Dominion Christmas Parade, Dec. 5, 2015. 2015
2015
Imani Bell performed in December 2015 with the Elegba Folklore Society dancers during the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Altria Theater. 2016
A large tree adorns the conservatory at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The Dominion Gardenfest of Lights begins on Friday Nov. 25, 2016. 2016
A train set made with stained glass houses at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The Dominion Gardenfest of Lights begins on Friday Nov. 25, 2016. 2016
A train set with stained glass houses at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The Dominion Gardenfest of Lights begins on Friday Nov. 25, 2016. 2016
Lights illuminate the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The Dominion Gardenfest of Lights begins on Friday Nov. 25, 2016. 2016
A standing-room-only crowd watched the traditional Christmas tree light up at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. 2016
Beth Bailey and Bruce Green with their dog Ellie in front of their home in the Fan that is part of the Tacky Lights tour. Photographed Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016. 2016
Marc Leslie decorates his Oregon Hill home at 408 South Laurel Street for Christmas every year. Photo was taken on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. 2016
Star Wars movie reenactors wait for Richmond Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2016. 2016
2017
The GardenFest of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden theme this year is "Naturally Ever After: Stories in Lights" and it highlights fairy tales and other stories. Photographed Monday Nov. 20, 2017. 2017
The lights turn on during the taping of ABC's "Great Christmas Light Fight" at the Phifers home on Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017. 2017
The Richmond skyline lights up during the Grand Illumination on Friday Dec. 1, 2017. 2017
Star Wars' Chewbacca donned a Santa hat during the annual Christmas Parade down Broad Street on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. 2017
A giant balloon character takes a bow to duck a traffic signal during the annual Christmas Parade down Broad Street on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. 2017
Tacky Lights: at 14309 Long Hill Road in Brandermill. Photographed on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. 2017
Joe Stankus and his wife, Brenda, got in some last minute shopping in Carytown on Christmas Eve on Sunday, December 25, 2017. 2017
Elizabeth Walter, L, leads Artie and driver Armistead Wellford and passengers olong a ride during an Old-Fashioned Christmas held at Maymont on Sunday, December 3, 2017. 2017
Carolers entertained during an Old-Fashioned Christmas held at Maymont on Sunday, December 3, 2017. 2018
The GardenFest of Lights with the theme "Bringing Art to Light" at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Monday Nov. 19, 2018. 2018
The GardenFest of Lights with the theme "Bringing Art to Light" at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Monday Nov. 19, 2018. 2018
Crowds gather for the 32nd tree lighting ceremony at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond on Monday Nov. 26, 2018. 2018
The 34th Annual Grand Illumination of the James Center marks the start of the holiday season in Richmond. Santa, the Snow Queen, and Jack Frost, were among the characters greeting the crowd at the event. 2018
Balloons are marched down Broad Street during the 35th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on Saturday Dec. 1, 2018. 2018
Abby Miller lights the first candle on the menorah as Grant Hewitt waits to light the second one at the Weinstein Jewish Community Center Monday, December 3, 2018. They joined other members of the JCC's Kids Place After School program in observing the second day of Hanukkah. 2018
Mayor Levar Stoney lights the first candle during the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at MLK Middle School Saturday, December 29, 2018. 2018
Christmas prep at Maymont. The Lion in Almost-Winter. 2018
Christmas prep at Maymont. The South Portico.
