The Ashland Strawberry Faire is one of Central Virginia’s most highly anticipated summer events. On Saturday, June 3 from 10 - 5 PM, Randolph-Macon College will be host to 300 vendors, parades, pageants, and more.
Downtown Ashland Association sat down with Faire Director Lorie Foley to get some insider tips.
DAA: Thank you for joining us, Lorie! Tell us, in your opinion what makes the Ashland Strawberry Faire so special?
LORIE: The Faire had very humble beginnings in the early 1980s. The first Faire was held on the football field at Randolph-Macon College. In 1988 it was moved to the historic campus under the trees and then in the 2000’s moved to the streets surrounding the campus. With each move, the Faire has become bigger and better. Since 2017, the Faire has been organized in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Ashland.
DAA: What an incredible transformation! With 2023’s Ashland Strawberry Faire bigger and better than ever before, what do guests have to look forward to?
LORIE: Lots of strawberry goodies! The Faire is a FREE family-friendly event—with a Kid Zone, Pet Pageant, BARKing Lot, Motor Mile, music, and more. Enjoy nearly 300 vendors including arts & crafts, non-profit groups, government services, and Hanover County businesses.
DAA: And all this fun is for a good cause. Can you tell us more about the impact the Ashland Strawberry Faire has on our community?
LORIE: Yes, the Faire provides scholarships to Hanover County Public Schools and Randolph-Macon College students. This year, the scholarship program was given a big boost from the Hometown Family Education Fund, thanks to Todd Rogers with RCI Builders and Hometown Realty, which enabled us to increase each scholarship from $600 to $1,000 through 2026.
The Faire gives back to the community in the form of Grants-for-Work to non-profits who help us run the Faire. We also give non-profit groups a discounted rate to have a booth at the Faire, or they can volunteer 2 hours at the Faire in exchange for their booth fee.
DAA: Wonderful work. As the director, you would know to find fun at the Faire.
LORIE: There is a lot of fun to be found. I love the Dunk Tank and the Pet Pageant. The entertainment value is top-notch! Also, last year we started The Strawberry Kids Parade with Parade Marshal Corinne Luck, who wins the Town’s Sparkle Award.
DAA: We can’t wait! What’s your #1 tip for visitors planning for the Faire?
LORIE: Parking is a challenge, so take the Trolley to the Faire (there are 4 satellite locations). Take your time as you stroll the Faire—there is so much to see and do!