There’s a certain kind of morning in Ashland when the sun hits the tracks just right, and you can feel something special rolling into town. On Saturday, April 25 from 10 AM - 4 PM, that feeling returns in full force as the Ashland Train Day celebrates its 22nd year—inviting neighbors, visitors, train enthusiasts, and gear heads of all ages to experience one of Central Virginia’s most beloved free family events.
Hosted by the Downtown Ashland Association, this year’s celebration promises a full day of small-town charm and big-time excitement, where the rhythm of passing trains meets the laughter of families spreading down Center Street. And right in the heart of it all, a crowd favorite returns with even more to explore: the Touch-A-Truck experience, made possible through the generous community partnership of RCI Builders.
For RCI Builders, the joy of Train Day begins with people. “At RCI Builders, we are especially proud of our people,” the team shares. “As a local homebuilder, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities where we live and work and strive to make a lasting, positive impact.” Guided by their core values—Humility, Efficiency, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork— RCI’s presence at Train Day is about far more than trucks; it’s about connection.
That spirit comes to life on England Street, where children (and let’s be honest, plenty of grown-ups too) can climb aboard dump trucks, explore heavy equipment, and get up close to the kind of vehicles that usually rumble by from a distance. “Ashland Train Day is a meaningful event for our team each year,” RCI Builders shares. “We love seeing the excitement on children’s and families’ faces as they get the opportunity to explore trucks up close and enjoy receiving a classic RCI blue balloon.”
It’s those simple, joyful moments that keep families coming back year after year. One memory stands out to the team: “Seeing a little kid’s eyes light up as they were able to see big trucks up close for the first time. Families come from all over to enjoy the day, and being part of those joyful moments—sharing smiles and a love for community—is what makes the event so special.”
That sense of wonder is matched by a deep-rooted commitment to Ashland itself. Since 1999, RCI Builders has been crafting high-quality, affordable homes throughout Hanover County, growing alongside the very community they continue to invest in. “We believe in the power of community, in the importance of giving back, and in nurturing connections that last a lifetime,” the company shares—values that extend from their neighborhoods to nonprofit partnerships and events like Train Day.
Their sponsorship ensures that this cherished tradition remains free and open to the public, welcoming visitors from across Virginia and beyond to experience the magic of a town that knows how to throw a celebration. And as the festival looks toward the future, the vision is as bright as ever. “For 2026, we’re dreaming of even more laughter, learning, and connections,” RCI Builders shares. “Our goal is to make the event bigger, brighter, and even more engaging for everyone in the community.”
From the whistle of passing trains to the hum of engines waiting to be explored, Ashland Train Day. offers something rare: a chance to slow down, look around, and delight in the shared joy of discovery. It’s where train lovers find their rhythm, families make new traditions, and neighbors—both new and lifelong—come together in the Center of the Universe for a day that feels as welcoming as home.
