Under $300? No compromize? Do you have a big memory card for your old camera? If so, you could narrow your search so that your new camera is compatible with it. You could save a few bucks that way. It's just smart.
The Canon A85 is a standard camera loaded with features and little options, if you like that, and under $300.
You can grab one of the lower Nikon Coolpix under $300. Nice compact cameras with no fuss.
The Olympus Camedia C-740 UltraZoom is one of the cheaper long-zoom cameras (outdoor shots!) and one that is generally liked. Under $300 as well.
Olmypus has two nice cameras under $300. The Olympus Camedia D-580 and the Olympus Stylus 400 Digital. Good entry-level camera. The latter is water-proof (outdoor events...)!
You can stick with Sony and upgrade for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P73
and Cyber-shot DSC-P93, 4 and 5 megapixels respectively. Under $300.
That's all I can find around, but under $300.