Golden Taste of Ashland winner at RefunkIt who later exchanged their gold ticket for a meal at Homemades by Suzanne
The Golden Taste of Ashland has taken downtown by storm, and thanks to overwhelming community support, the excitement isn’t slowing down! Due to the incredible enthusiasm from locals and visitors alike, additional chocolate bars are being added to the mix—two of which contain a coveted Golden Ticket. That means five golden tickets are still waiting to be discovered!
The Golden Taste of Ashland is more than just a chocolate bar—it’s a love letter to the town’s vibrant business scene. Generously donated by 110 Thompson and Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), each bar has been printed with passion by Minuteman Press of Ashland and hand-wrapped with care, thanks to the dedication of DAA and Ashland Dance Academy’s (ADA) dance moms.
2023 Taste of Ashland
Originally, the Taste of Ashland was a one-night event where Ashland’s chefs gathered in a downtown event space to showcase their farm-to-fork meals. Though the event was an undeniable delicious delight, Downtown Ashland Association’s Director of Operations, Lou Keeton, was concerned about winter weather snowing out a single-night event. She also wanted to do more than showcase restaurants—she wanted participants to physically visit stores and restaurants to see firsthand why Ashland is the Center of the Universe. “We didn’t want the Taste of Ashland just to be a snack—we wanted to give participants a whole Center of the Universe meal!” While Downtown Ashland Association collaborated with downtown businesses, Colette Maranda suggested adding chocolate bars to the recipe.
Colette Maranda of Ashland Dance Academy initially envisioned a town-wide contest inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) took her vision and blended it with the Taste of Ashland to create a truly sweet celebration of local businesses.
“It is always fun to have magic in the town,” says Maranda. “And this magic collaborates with so many downtown Ashland businesses and really reaches all ages of our community. Our studio has already sold out of two baskets of chocolates!”
Golden Taste of Ashland winner at Ashland Dance Academy
Then, Lou from DAA and Colette from ADA joined forces and brought the sweet idea to Minuteman Press of Ashland. “They came up with the Taste of Ashland campaign and needed help bringing the wrapper design to life,” says Caroline Sweeney, owner of Minuteman Press of Ashland. “We love sponsoring events like this that bring the community together if it's something we can support at the time.”
The magic of the event is undeniable. Maranda recalls witnessing the excitement firsthand: “One of our little dancers was a golden ticket winner! Her excitement over finding a golden ticket was so fun to witness! There was definitely a lot of jumping around and giggles! She cashed her ticket in at Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys and had a super fun shopping spree.”
Sweeney also experienced the joy of the campaign firsthand: “My partner and I went to the kickoff event at Ash and Olive and witnessed the very first golden ticket winner! The winner was the cutest little girl with a fabulous outfit and purse on. She presented her wrapper to the lady at the register, happy as can be. Everyone who experienced this moment together couldn’t help but smile. I couldn’t help but think about the scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where Grandpa Joe gets up and busts a move in joy.”
With more bars hitting shelves and additional Golden Tickets up for grabs, the adventure continues. Proceeds from the Golden Taste of Ashland directly support Downtown Ashland Association’s mission to keep the town buzzing with unforgettable events and experiences.
Golden Taste of Ashland winner at the Ash & Olive launch party
“I hope it raises a good amount of funds to support the incredible Ashland events that Downtown Ashland Association sponsors,” Maranda adds. “I also hope it draws up extra foot traffic in our local businesses.”
Sweeney shares a similar vision: “I hope the Golden Taste brings businesses together by sharing involvement in a campaign and helps grow the awareness of the absolute beauty that all these businesses have to offer. I'm newer to the Ashland area and can't wait to go back to Ash and Olive and try their appetizers and pizza after experiencing a happy hour there.”
Bars are available while supplies last at participating local businesses. Whether you’re indulging in a chocolatey treat, supporting downtown Ashland, or hoping to uncover a golden surprise, now is the time to grab your Golden Taste of Ashland bar. Will you be one of the lucky winners? Learn more at www.ashlandvirginia.com/taste