Wawa Champions Ashland's First Responders

Wawa champions our community's first responders. As sponsors of the Ashland Train Day Headquarters for 150+ volunteers and first responders, Wawa is showing its commitment to the men and women who keep us safe.

Even the store's Grand Opening celebration brought out the Ashland, Virginia Police Department and Hanover County Fire-EMS Department to serve up hoagies and raise funds for charity (pictured below)!

2019 Grand Opening celebration for Wawa’s Ashland location.

We recently spoke with Wawa’s Mark Soroka to learn more about the company’s commitment to the community.

Tell us a little about our local store. What are the unique features and offerings it provides?

The Ashland store employs roughly 30-40 associates/managers and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We offer custom made salads, full service beverages (milkshakes, cold brew, smoothies, etc.), hot and cold hoagies, as well as a variety of other breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

How is Wawa involved in the local community? 

We are involved in many local partnerships: sponsorship with JDRF & LLS walks and events, Roc Solid builds in the RVA area, the local chapter of American Red Cross, the Chesterfield Education Foundation (free cup of coffee to every teacher, faculty member and administrator to welcome back to school), YMCA after school reading programs, CHOR phone-athon two years in a row, coupons to 5th graders in Life/Fire/Safety Program in Chesterfield County, local Torch Run for Special Olympics and local National Night Out events.

Why is Wawa supporting Ashland Train Day?

Wawa is proud to host the Volunteer & First Responders Headquarters for all police, fire, paramedic, and community leaders by providing pretzels, Wawa swag and prize wheels, coupons and a special visit from its mascot Wally Goose, as the retailer’s way of thanking every day heroes for serving their communities.

Downtown Ashland Association is proud to partner with our local Wawa store at 100 N. Washington Highway. We are grateful for the company's support of our local volunteers and first responders.

7 Tips for Railfans

Railfans of all ages flock to Downtown Ashland to watch the passage of nearly 50 freight and passenger trains each day. The quaint setting of Ashland’s historic district with the East Coast freight line running through the center is a unique attraction.

Photo captured during Ashland Train Day 2018.

Downtown Ashland Association offers railfans near and far these tips to get the most out of your visit:

1.      VISIT THE STATION

Ashland-Hanover Visitor Center is located inside the historic Ashland Train Station. The friendly staff are available 9am-5pm daily.

2.       LISTEN TO ENGINEERS

CSX live radio stream is available to the public anytime of the day or night. You can hear the drivers riding the rails as they radio between Richmond and Fredericksburg. Click here listen live on your web-enabled device.

3.      ASK THE EXPERTS

Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys at 104 S. Railroad Avenue is staffed by railfans extraordinaire! Ask Suzanne, Russell, or Sonja about the passing trains and get a full explanation, plus see the model trains on display in all shapes and gauges!

4.       CHECK THE MAP

Amtrak tracks its trains nationwide in real-time on this map. Check when the next train is coming to Ashland Train Station and wave hello to the conductors!

5. SEE THE MURAL

Downtown Ashland hosts the longest railroad mural in the country! See local artist Ed Trask’s masterpiece at 108 S. Railroad Avenue.

6.       WATCH ONLINE

Three Virtual Railfan cameras in Downtown Ashland broadcast live on YouTube. The town’s railfan following extends all around the globe. See for yourself at youtu.be/VIwzSSGbxZw.

7. BOARD THE CABOOSE

Ashland Museum offers free tours of a fully restored 1926 C&O Caboose each weekend at 105 Hanover Avenue.

Ashland Train Day Rescheduled to Spring 2022

Downtown Ashland Association announces the next Ashland Train Day will be held on April 30, 2022. The beloved street festival and celebration of trains will become a spring event, to be hosted the last weekend in April annually.

“We look forward to continuing Ashland Train Day’s long history of family-friendly fun in Downtown Ashland,” said Executive Director Maggie Longest. “By moving the event away from the busy holiday season and into the spring, we hope even more families and train lovers will come to Ashland and enjoy the festival.”

In 2019, the 17th annual celebration of Ashland’s love for trains drew more than 10,000 participants. The celebration included 17 model train displays, two kiddie train rides, a touch-a-truck area, arts and crafts, local foods, and live music.

Mark your calendar for the 18th Ashland Train Day on April 30, 2022! Event updates for railfans of all ages will be published on the website, ashlandvirginia.com, and social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.

JOIN THE FUN!

• Volunteers are needed to help with event planning. Please visit ashlandvirginia.com/volunteer.

• Sponsor Ashland Train Day to support a vibrant Downtown Ashland. Business sponsors benefit from high-profile media coverage before and during the event with thousands of visitors, residents, and community leaders. Learn more at ashlandvirginia.com/giving.

Ashland Train Day 2020 Cancelled Due to COVID-19

Downtown Ashland Association looks ahead to Ashland Train Day 2021

Downtown Ashland Association sadly reports that Ashland Train Day 2020 is cancelled. This was a difficult decision for the Board of Directors, but one we feel is a necessary precaution in the face of COVID-19.

We look forward to hosting a stellar Ashland Train Day event on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Mark your calendar!

Meanwhile, we will be publishing virtual highlights from Downtown Ashland for railfans of all ages. Please stay tuned to our website, ashlandvirginia.com, and social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) for updates.

Thank you to our Ashland community for making the past 17 years of Ashland Train Day so much fun. We look forward to our eighteenth event in 2021!

At Home in Ashland with RCI Builders

RCI Builders has produced well-crafted, high quality homes at an affordable price in the Ashland/Hanover area since 1999. With local founders that call Hanover home themselves, and four communities currently available for building, RCI is committed to Ashland and the community’s future.

Downtown Ashland is thrilled to welcome RCI as a 2019 Ashland Train Day sponsor. To learn more about this dynamic company with local roots, we recently spoke with RCI’s Emily Porter.

Who are the founders of RCI Builders and how has it grown over the years?

The company has been locally owned since the start thanks to our founders, Todd Rogers and Mike Chenault. Patrick Ashley joined the RCI team in 2012 bringing 15 years of home building experience with him and soon after became the third owner.

RCI Builders has grown to become one of central Virginia’s largest locally owned construction companies. We have land positions in over 18 communities and run a highly successful build on your lot program. With 30+ full time employees, RCI does more than 50 million in business per year.

Why did RCI choose to create communities in and around Ashland?

Because we believe this is a great place to live and do business. Not to mention that many of our employees and contractors call Ashland and Hanover home, too.

What communities do you currently have or have planned in Ashland? What makes them unique?

Currently in Ashland we have four communities, Ashland Park, Haley Farm, Hickory Hill, and Lakeview at Luck Farm.

Ashland Park has a few lots remaining in its Village section, which features single family homes from the low $340’s. This quaint neighborhood features walking trails throughout the community with a neighborhood pavilion.

Haley Farm is one of RCI’s newest communities featuring large homesites starting in the $470’s. This is a horse-friendly community, welcoming your family and beloved companions - whether they be canine or equine!

Hickory Hill features single family homes on large lots in Hanover County. Large lots, quiet cul-de-sacs, and a modern neighborhood vibe, Hickory Hill provides the amenities homeowners look for. Only 9 lots remaining in our new section that just opened this year!

Lakeview at Luck Farm features single family homes just outside the town of Ashland, starting in the $500’s. The 1+ acre lot size combined with the ample common space this community offers will give you plenty of elbow room.

RCI is sponsoring the “Touch-a-Truck” area this year. Why did you choose to support Ashland Train Day?

RCI is supporting Train Day because we adore the Town of Ashland! This community has been home to our employees, contractors, and the folks who build with us. We’re thrilled to support a day dedicated to the history and heritage of this town.

Downtown Ashland Association thanks RCI Builders for supporting Ashland Train Day on Saturday, Nov. 2nd. Event participants will find heavy equipment, dump trucks, fire truck, ambulance, and much more. We hope you’ll join us!