Stone Designs for Ashland Train Day

For artist Geoff Stone, design is so much more than a career. “Design has taken me around the nation and allowed me to do what I enjoy with people I enjoy,” he says. Now design is bringing Geoff back home with a fresh Ashland Train Day image emblazoned on merchandise.

“As a designer, what better subject could one hope for but Ashland, trains, and the spirit of a family-friendly good time?” Geoff asks in an interview with Downtown Ashland Association. 

Geoff’s previous work can be spotted in the Center of the Universe Brewing Company logo and on over 20 of their cans. With so much experience in the Center of the Universe, Geoff had no trouble incorporating iconic Ashland train elements into the 2023 Ashland Train Day design. - like the station, clock, and dual tracks. “Pulling it all together in this way allowed for a variety of applications,” says Geoff, “from full-color posters to fun merchandise.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Geoff donate his time and expertise in support of Ashland Train Day,” says Maggie Longest, Downtown Ashland Association’s executive director, and the event’s organizer. “His designs are both eye-catching and timeless. I can’t wait to see people wearing them on Train Day!”

Full-color posters and merchandise have been produced from Geoff’s designs by Downtown Ashland’s own print shop, We Think In Ink. While Ashland Train Day T-shirts can be bought on Saturday, April 29 at the central Info Tent in the intersection of Thompson Street and Railroad Avenue beside the tracks, the full selection with hoodies, hats, and bibs are only available until Thursday, April 20. Orders can be picked up at Ashland Train Day or shipped.

Geoff hopes his designs will help the Ashland Train Day memories will last a lifetime: 

“I’d like to imagine that years from now, as folks pull out an old, well-worn 2023 Ashland Train Day T-shirt to work in the yard or dry off the dog after a bath, that they will be reminded of the fun they had,” says Geoff. “After all, it’s not about the design. It’s about the day, and people sharing a good time that becomes a great memory. To me, that’s Ashland every day.”

Geoff Stone’s designs can be found throughout Ashland and Richmond. You can reach him at stonebranded.com.

Ashland Train Day Apparel On Sale Now

Ashland Train Day on April 29 will bring thousands of visitors from all over the world to the Center of The Universe. Show your train town pride with Ashland Train Day t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and even baby bibs. Order now, and receive your custom-printed apparel at the event!

Thanks to We Think in Ink’s friendly neighbor Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry for modeling this year’s volunteer t-shirt in the photo above.

Geoff Stone designed the 2023 Ashland Train Day logo and Downtown Ashland’s print shop, We Think In Ink, is bringing it to life with screen print and embroidery, creating an array of Train Day-themed apparel for adults, youth, and toddlers.

The full selection with hoodies, hats, and bibs is only available during this two-week presale April 6 to 20, 2023. Order today and pick up your merchandise at Ashland Train Day or have it shipped to your home.

At Ashland Train Day, you’ll find merchandise at the central Info Tent in the intersection of Thompson Street and Railroad Avenue beside the tracks. Presale items will be available there for pick up. Only adult and youth Ashland Train Day t-shirts will be on sale during the event.

Coming Home to Play

Native Ashlander and co-founder of PlayRVA Taylor Pace takes playtime seriously. 

“We started PlayRVA to do something fun and put smiles on people’s faces. My partner and I have other businesses- from vending to a printing company, a web development company, etc.--but this is the most enjoyable.”

To launch PlayRVA, the company began running train rides at Short Pump Town Center and quickly opened more routes. They currently operate at Regency Square, Potomac Mills, and Charlotte Premium Outlets. Next, they began to rent out the trains for mobile parties and events, and bought a fire truck to add more fun to the offering!

Ashland Train Day seemed like a natural fit. “I reached out to the Downtown Ashland Association because we really wanted to be part of the event. I’m so excited to come back to Ashland to offer up some fun rides, but also to witness the amazing growth that's been happening there.”

PlayRVA’s inclusion in Ashland Train Day is especially exciting for Pace; his family roots are deep in the Center of the Universe. “PlayRVA trains will be running right down the street from where I grew up,” he laughs. 

Pace spent his early years on Center Street with his father, Steve Pace, and not far away Aunt Pat, Uncle Jay, and cousins Chris and Liz. While attending Patrick Henry High School and James Madison University, Pace took on many job roles at the Herald Progress newspaper, where his uncle served as editor and his father as general manager.

“One of PlayRVA’s kiddie train routes is going to be at the Ashland Branch Library. There is a statue of my Uncle Jay reading the Herald Progress there, which is so nice to have a place to visit him. I can’t wait to show him the train! My dad is also still present in Ashland as an agent at the Hometown Realty office on the tracks. It will be a fun day for Ashland and a nostalgic day for me.”

The two PlayRVA trains running on Ashland Train Day are not just for children. “One thing that we really like about the trains is the parents can ride too,” said Pace. “They’re not just putting their kid on the train and saying, ‘Bye-bye.’ They actually get to enjoy the experience together.”

You’re invited to take a FREE ride on PlayRVA kiddie trains during Ashland’s 19th annual Ashland Train Day street festival from 10am-4pm on April 29, 2023. See ashlandtrainday.com to plan a visit for the whole family.

Secretariat Races into Ashland

The legendary thoroughbred racehorse Secretariat was born at Meadow Stable near Ashland, Virginia. So, it is only fitting that The Center of the Universe will host Big Red’s triumphant return this weekend to kick off a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s 1973 Triple Crown.

Immortalized as a 3,500-pound bronze statue by acclaimed sculptor Jocelyn Russell, the statue “Secretariat Racing Into History” will travel over 1,000 miles from Oklahoma to Downtown Ashland just in time for festivities on Saturday, April 1st. The Secretariat for Virginia Committee will celebrate Big Red’s birthday with cake, family-friendly activities, movies, music, museum tours, and even a surprise special guest!

The celebration recognizes the Secretariat for Virginia Committee’s plans to install the “Secretariat Racing Into History” statue at the corner of England Street and Railroad Avenue in Downtown Ashland. Randolph-Macon College and the Town of Ashland have offered the site for the statue to stand as a permanent monument to Secretariat’s life and legacy.

For viewers, the larger-than-life monument will illustrate the equine athlete’s illustrious career. For Ashland resident, author, and speaker Kate Chenery Tweedy, the heroic artwork highlights her family legacy. “Secretariat's story truly would come full circle if the monument is placed in Ashland," said Ms. Tweedy in an interview with Secretariat for Virginia. 

Her grandfather, Christopher Chenery grew up in Ashland, attended Randolph-Macon College, and founded nearby Meadow Stable where Secretariat was born in 1970. Her mother, Penny Chenery, took over the family farm and managed Secretariat’s history-making career. Kate Chenery Tweedy chairs the Secretariat for Virginia Committee with the hope of raising enough money to install “Secretariat Racing Into History” in Ashland permanently. 

If the Secretariat for Virginia Committee meets its fundraising goals, this will be the first and only monument of Secretariat in his home state of Virginia. It is a part of artist Jocelyn Russell's vision that “Secretariat Racing Into History” go to pasture in his home state. Ms. Russel said in an interview with Secretariat for Virginia, “This is literally where his history started.” Fundraising efforts are already out of the gate at the Ashland Museum, where donations are being accepted.

EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, April 1, 2023

From 11 AM - 1:30 PM, the Ashland Theatre will show Disney’s “Secretariat” for free while Ms. Tweedy - who appeared in the movie with her mother - shares her behind-the-scenes perspective on set.

At 2:00 PM at Ashland Town Hall Pavillion, “Secretariat Racing Into History” will be officially unveiled with Ashland famous friends, special guests, live music, and birthday cake fit to feed a horse.

From 2:30 - 5:00 PM, meet Secretariat's lookalike and descendant while Ms. Russell presents her process of sculpting the monument. Enjoy family-friendly activities and crafts, a display of the Secretariat's first saddle, and videos of his Trip Crown races. The Ashland Museum will offer tours and Secretariat merchandise. 

See “Secretariat Racing Into History” before it continues its multi-state tour. The monument will be on display at Ashland Town Hall.

The Ashland Musical Variety Show is Back on Track

The bi-annual Ashland Musical Variety Show is Back on Track at last! Local talent of all ages make their triumphant return to the newly renovated Blackwell Auditorium on historic Randolph Macon campus to perform comedic skits, songs, and dances on behalf of the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.

Every odd year since 1982, the cast, crew, and audience gather in the name of “Community Building through the Arts.” The results are shared laughs and cherished memories. In an interview with Virginia This Morning, founder and director Sue Watson said, “There is something in our show that will touch your heart, make you laugh, make you remember people that you love.”

Most importantly, the Ashland Musical Variety Show is used as the FUNdraiser for the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Proceeds support the Center’s mission as Downtown Ashland’s community center for cultural, educational, and civic events.

The Ashland Musical Variety Show: We’re Back on Track opens Thursday, March 23 and runs through Saturday, March 25. Doors open at 7:00 PM for a 7:30 PM performance. Purchase your tickets here and print or take a screenshot of your confirmation email to present at Blackwell Auditorium for admission. If you don’t receive a confirmation message, just email ticketsHAAC@gmail.com.