Richmond celebrates new convention center

The Greater Richmond Convention Center celebrated its grand opening with a free indoor carnival full of excitement for all ages last weekend.

A ribbon cutting ceremony complete with a presentation of colors by the Multi-Jurisdictional Color Guard and a speech by Mayor Rudolph C. McCollum kick-started the festivities. The evening was completed with a Fighting Gravity concert in the center’s enormous exhibition hall.

Saturday was filled with a variety of performances from Manchester Middle School’s Boy’s Choir to a Polynesian Dance Group and a Kamp Kreatures Puppet Show.

More than 70 vendors and exhibitors with stations filled the room including representatives from the Richmond Braves, who offered team magnets and ticket information. Representatives from Richmond.com were also present as they offered information about the Web site and the services that it provides.

The free massages courtesy of His and Hers Nail Spa located on West Broad Street were a huge vendor highlight. That’s right, FREE massages.

The rides open to the carnival’s visitors were mostly intended for children, although there were a few rides that adults could enjoy, such as the Ferris wheel and the carousel. Another great highlight of the weekend was that all the classic carnival games, such as dart throwing and basketball shooting, were all free. Also, every participant could play until they won some sort of prize.

On Sunday, the carnival had even more exciting shows and events. Radio Disney by far hosted the most crowd-pleasing stage attraction, a concert that featured up and coming artists including adorable 12-year-old Stevie Brock and Triple Jem, a solo female artist. Another Kamp Kreatures puppet show, Irish music, and the Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company rounded out the evening.

Whether big or small, young or old, the Richmond Convention Center’s grand opening was fun for all.