Neighbors Support Ashland’s Future This Giving Tuesday

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we’re reflecting on an incredible year and inviting you to support Downtown Ashland Association in making a difference for our community. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of neighbors like you to keep Ashland thriving. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together in 2024 - and why your support this Giving Tuesday means so much.

2024: A Year of Big Wins for Downtown Ashland

Connecting Ashland to the World

With 271,000 visits to our tourism website, we’re making Ashland known far and wide! Through dedicated media efforts — including a campaign for the Secretariat monument — we reached 2.6 million media impressions, helping the world discover what makes Ashland special.

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Fueling Local Business Growth

Our mission includes empowering Ashland’s local businesses. Thanks to a $100,000 grant, we launched new Entrepreneurship Initiatives, supporting local entrepreneurs in innovating and expanding right here in Ashland.

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Beautifying Downtown

With a $75,000 grant, we’re establishing Downtown Design Guidelines to keep Ashland charming, functional, and welcoming. From architectural guidelines to beautification efforts, we’re ensuring that the heart of Ashland remains as vibrant as ever.

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Highlighting Arts and Culture

We celebrated the arts in 2024 with beautiful new murals and popular events like Fourth Fridays and the Ashland Song Contest. These gatherings bring us together, showcase local talent, and make downtown a place of inspiration and joy.

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Creating Unforgettable Experiences:

Our signature events — Ashland Halloween, Ashland Train Day, and Ashland Fourth Fridays — have brought tens of thousands of guests into downtown Ashland, infusing our town with energy, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our sense of community.

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Why Giving Matters

Giving Tuesday is your chance to support Downtown Ashland Association in its mission to keep Ashland lively, beautiful, and community-focused. You don’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday to give, but if you’re inspired to join us on this day of generosity, your donation will fuel even more growth, engagement, and excitement for 2025.

Every dollar you give powers our events, marketing efforts, and initiatives, allowing us to bring out the best in Ashland. Let’s keep building a future filled with community spirit, creativity, and opportunity.

Thank you for considering Downtown Ashland Association this Giving Tuesday. With your help, Ashland’s best days are still ahead!

2024 Light Up The Tracks Guide

Beginning Saturday, November 23rd, Downtown Ashland Association invites you to join the sparkle and cheer as we “Light Up the Tracks” in our hallmark historic district! Presented by Dominion Energy, this luminous event offers six weeks of twinkling displays, joyful activities, and small-town charm to make your holiday season truly brighter.

As you stroll down Center Street, discover a winter wonderland where Downtown buildings, historic homes, and Randolph-Macon College are all decked in dazzling white lights. It’s like stepping into a holiday card! Plus, local shops and community groups have a sleigh full of holiday events for you to enjoy all season long. Here’s just a glimmer of what’s in store:

Ashland Santa Train Raffle now through November 8

Enter for a chance to win two magical train tickets from Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys to take a holiday journey with Santa and his helpers! Proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.

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Light Up the Tracks Apparel

Get your Light Up the Tracks apparel from TSI Promotionals and sleigh the streets in exclusive winter fashion! Don’t let this frost-tastic gear slip through your mittens—order now and be ready to sparkle up the town.

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Ashland Ornament Drive now through November 23

Show off your festive spirit by designing or donating an ornament that represents your business, charity, family, or favorite Ashland memory! Drop it off at Ashland Town Hall, and it’ll light up the Ashland Town Tree at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center.

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Light Up the Tracks Celebration on Saturday, November 23rd at 5pm

Kick off the season with an arts and crafts market featuring over 70 local vendors, an Illuminated Costume Contest with Ashland Christmas Market prizes, and festive entertainment like Jonathan Austin's 24 Hour Emergency Juggling and Magic, a petting zoo at Ashland Feed Store, Boot Scooters line dancing, and visits from Santa and Rudolph!

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Olde Time Holiday Parade on Sunday, November 24 at 2 PM

Join us for a classic holiday parade that brings more than 100 festive entries to downtown. From Snead Street to Archie Cannon Drive, our community comes together to light up the streets with holiday cheer.

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Caroling by local choirs on Saturdays November 30 - December 28 at 5 PM

Every Saturday, downtown Ashland resonates with the timeless tradition of caroling, making your holiday feel like a storybook come to life.

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Ashland Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7 from 11am-4pm

With over 100 local artists, festive food trucks, and 18 local eateries, this is the perfect spot to find handcrafted gifts while enjoying seasonal bites and holiday tunes.

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New Years Eve Masquerade Ball on Tuesday, December 31 from 9pm - 12AM

The Hanover Arts and Activities Center transforms into a world of elegance and mystery, with live music, cocktails and mocktails by Shaken Not Spurred, delicious dining by Strawberry Street Catering, and an auction to benefit Downtown Ashland Association and Hanover Arts and Activities Center.

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Wrap up in your coziest coat and head to downtown Ashland this holiday season to brighten up your celebrations. From unique handmade gifts to warming cups of hot chocolate, Ashland offers an old-fashioned holiday experience where every step sparkles with small-town magic. Keep up with the whole cool calendar at www.LightUpTheTracks.com

31 Days of Ashland Halloween

Get ready for a spine-tingling October in the heart of the Center of the Boo-niverse! Downtown Ashland invites you to experience 31 days of Halloween magic, where our charming town transforms into a hauntingly fun destination for the entire family. With spooky shopping, devilishly delicious dining, and ghoulishly good entertainment, there’s no shortage of tricks and treats. Whether you’re a local or creeping in from out of town, you’re sure to find something eerie-sistable around every corner. Come visit us all spooky season long and join in on the Halloween fun!

Events That Will Make You Howl

This October, every weekend is packed with frightful fun! From family-friendly trunk-or-treats to eerie-sistable craft beer festivals, Ashland has events that are sure to raise your spirits. Join us for the Ashland Halloween Market on October 31, where you can browse over 30 vendors and enjoy live entertainment. Don’t forget to stamp your Scavenger Hunt card for a chance to win a wickedly cool prize!

Dress for Distress
Get your boo-tiful Ashland Halloween swag from TSI Promotionals before October 6, and haunt the streets in exclusive style! Don’t let this fang-tastic gear slip through your claws—order now and be ready to spook up the town.

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Shop ‘Til You Drop (Dead)

Downtown Ashland transforms into a haunted haven for shoppers! Stroll through local boutiques bewitched with one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you’re searching for fine jewelry that sparkles like a witch’s cauldron, upcycled home furnishings to die for, or handmade crafts by local artists, you’ll be spellbound by the selection. You might even find yarn that would make Stars Hollow jealous! Shop around, or you might miss a fang-tastic deal!

Dine and Unwind (Or Unravel)

Sink your fangs into Ashland’s frightfully delicious dining options. From farm-to-fork meals that will make your taste buds scream, to spooky margaritas that pack a ghostly punch, there's something for every monster. Whether you're craving classic American fare or have a taste for Italian, BBQ, or more, every meal is served with a side of eerie-sistable charm. Dine at Ashland’s restaurants, where every bite is to die for!

Play Dead-citing Games

Looking for a ghostly good time? Ashland’s spooky venues have you covered. Escape from chilling rooms where every clue could be your last—or take a haunted history tour to unearth the secrets of our historic town. Feeling brave? Catch a horror flick at the Ashland Theatre that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s a scream-worthy way to play this Halloween season.

Get Spooked Today

There’s more than enough fun to fill 31 days! Visit AshlandHalloween.com to discover all the spooky happenings and make sure you’re part of the haunted action. Don’t miss out on the most terror-ific month of the year!

Get in Ashland Gear (Before Oct. 31!)

Hey neighbor! Ready to show off your Ashland pride? Now’s the perfect time to order your Center of the Universe and Light Up the Tracks apparel from TSI Promotionals before the October 31 deadline!

Why now? Well, if you place your order today, you can have your gear delivered right to your doorstep before the end of November—just in time for the holiday season!

Center of the Universe Apparel

It’s a great way to celebrate everything we love about our cosmic town, and the Center of the Universe design is fabulous for rocking your Ashland spirit all year long.

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Light Up the Tracks Apparel

Looking for something to wear at Light Up the Tracks? You can snag children’s tee-shirts, cozy adult hoodies, and more. But don’t wait!

If you miss the order deadline, don’t worry—you can still grab your favorite tee at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration on November 23. Just swing by Downtown Ashland Association’s booth between 5–8 PM at the Ashland Town Hall parking lot.

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Downtown Ashland Gear

And that’s not all! Show your downtown love with fleece-lined knit caps, Port Authority Essential Zip Totes, and even trucker caps—perfect for those cool Virginia days.

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So, what are you waiting for, neighbor? Place your order today and rep Ashland in style!

Ashland Fourth Fridays Rain Plan: The Party Rolls On—Rain or Shine!

As Hurricane Helen looms, threatening to rain on our parade, Ashland’s spirit is far too strong to be dampened! Our Ashland Fourth Fridays celebration is still on, thanks to the generous support of local venues. Should the weather take a stormy turn, we’re moving the fun indoors to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, Studio 54, and Slipped Disc. No matter what, this Friday, September 27, will be full of art, music, food, and pride!

🎶 Singing in the Rain (Indoors!)

The highly anticipated Ashland Song Contest will shift into the cozy confines of Slipped Disc, where Free Jambalaya will record the performances live. Since space is limited for in-person viewing, we’re excited to announce that Downtown Ashland Association will stream the event on Instagram and Facebook stories (@AshlandVirginia). Grab your umbrella, check your Wi-Fi, and tune in to enjoy these local talents as they serenade us with their best tunes.

🌈 TransJam: A Rainbow Indoors

Rain or shine, we’re celebrating Virginia Pride in all its colorful glory! TransJam Events, a trans-led organization dedicated to fun, inclusive events, will move their vendors indoors at 110 Thompson and the much-talked-about Studio 54. Expect to find a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, homemade jams, pastries, original art, and tarot readings, all under one roof.

Whether it’s drizzling or pouring, let your true colors shine! Dress in your brightest rainbow attire and show your pride as we come together to create a dazzling display of unity and joy. Who knows? Maybe our vivid energy will chase away the clouds!

📚 Food and Fun at Hanover Arts

The fun continues indoors at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, where food and craft vendors will bring their offerings, and Free to Read will host a children’s book giveaway. There’s something for everyone—from face painting to a delicious array of treats from local vendors. The festivities begin at 5 PM, kicking off with an incredible performance by the Ashland Dance Academy, featuring a dynamic mix of ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre.

And if you’re looking to keep the groove going, don’t miss The Sweet Potatoes, an amazing jazz quartet known for soulful covers, original tunes, and spontaneous jams that’ll have you dancing in no time. Rain won’t slow this crew down!

🍽️ Food Trucks and Local Fare

For those craving a little more bite to their Friday fun, Monique’s Crepes and Bikini Panini food trucks will still be parked outside Ashland Dance Academy and Ashland Town Hall, serving up delicious sweet, and savory delights. And if that’s not enough, TransJam will be bringing their food truck as well!

👻 Spooky Indoor Fun

The immersive games by RED VEIN Escape will also move indoors, offering a thrilling challenge, while the ever-popular Ashland Haunted History Tours delve into our town’s eerie past, rain or not.

🛍️ Late-Night Shopping

Local shops and restaurants will stay open late, offering farm-to-fork feasts and curated art, gifts, and housewares. No need to rush home! Rain or shine, there will be plenty to explore and enjoy.

⚠️ Keep an Eye on the Weather

While we hope the storm passes and allows us to party outside, we’ll make the official call after 1 PM on Friday, September 27. Stay tuned to Downtown Ashland Association’s Facebook, Instagram, or AshlandFourthFridays.com for updates on whether we’re sticking with the sunny day plan or shifting to our rainy day backup.

Let’s make this Fourth Friday one to remember—whether under the stars or under a roof!