Insider Tips to the Ashland Strawberry Faire

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!

Your 2023 Guide to the Ashland Strawberry Faire

Celebrate summer while you raise funds for scholarships and local charities at the Ashland Strawberry Faire! With 300 vendors, parades, pageants, and performances - you’ll need a guide to find all the fun. Lucky for you, we have all the details to make the Ashland Strawberry Faire sweet.

When:
Saturday, June 3, 2023

Where:
Randolph-Macon College
500 Henry St, Ashland, VA 23005

Hours:
10 - 5PM

Parking:

Hanover County School Board
200 Berkeley St, Ashland, VA. 23005

Hanover County Human Services
12300 S Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005

St. Ann’s Catholic Church
105 S Snead St, Ashland, VA. 23005

First Baptist Church of Ashland
800 Thompson St, Ashland, VA. 23005

Pro Tip: Get a FREE Trolly ride to the faire when you park in any one of these four lots. The trolleys can even accommodate strollers!

Parades:

9:45 AM - “Strawberry Kids” Parade

Starts on Henry Street and marches south to Blackwell Auditorium

Blackwell Stage:

10 AM –  “Star Spangled Banner” sung by Rebekah Turner, Hanover Jr Idol

10:05 AM – 2023 “Spirit of the Faire” announced

10:10 AM – 2023 Scholarship Winners announced

10:30 AM – Hanover County Concert Band

12:30 PM – Simply Us

3:00 PM – RJ Marshall Band

“Hanover in Action” Pavilion:

All day demonstrations from active groups like gymnastics, dance, and jazzercise.

12:00 PM - Pet Pageant

The BARKing Lot

Adjuacent to the Kid Zone under a canopy of trees, furry friends are invited to drink water or take a dip in the BARKing Lot pools.

1 - 3 PM - Kissing Booth. Kiss a friendly dog for a small donation to local pet adoption organizations.

Dunk Tank:

Public officials take the plunge to raise money for the charity of their choice

11 AM  – Kathy Abbott, Town Council member for CJ’s Thumbs Up

12 AM  – Chief Troy Aronhalt, Chief of Police for ACES

12:30 PM – Anita Barnhart, Town Council member for Hanover Humane Society

1 PM  – Vice Mayor John Hodges, Town Council for Circles Ashland

1:30 PM  – Faye Prichard, Hanover County Board of Supervisors for Hanover Safe Place

2 PM – Dan McGraw, Town Council member for Ashland Kiwanis

Vendors Categories:

Arts and Crafts

Agriculture

Animals

Food

Government

Hanover County Businesses

Non-Profits

Political

Ashland Strawberry Faire 2023 Map

Saturday Soundtracks Rock & Roll the Railroad

Chad's Fault plays live during Ashland Saturday Soundtracks

Saturdays are for songs in the Center of the Universe! April through October, local musicians set up at 102 South Railroad Avenue on Saturday evenings from 4-7pm to play free Ashland Saturday Soundtracks concerts.

For musician Katie Carter, playing Ashland Saturday Soundtracks is all about community. “I get to see people that I haven’t seen in years when I play here. I grew up in Ashland, so Saturday Soundtracks really feels like the place to be.”

From left to right - Lena Klett, Ashland Saturday Soundtrack seating, and Katie Carter

Guests are invited to enjoy memorable melodies completely free of charge from nearby patio dining and shopping areas or from a lawn chair in the pedestrian area. Sponsored by the Town of Ashland, Ashland Saturday Soundtracks are meant to enliven the trackside historic district with accessible, family-friendly entertainment. 

Musical artist Lena Klett is especially looking forward to playing for youth. “Watching little kids react to my music is always the best feeling,” laughs Lena. “They are captivated and watch intently! I enjoy seeing them clapping and dancing along, completely off beat, of course!”

Clap along with these free community concerts. Ashland Saturday Soundtracks are scheduled through October. Learn about the lineup at ashlandvirginia.com/soundtracks

Ashland’s Newest Mural

Katie Grottenthaler stands beside Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s Mural at 109 England Street

Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s once bare brick wall is Ashland’s newest destination for art lovers and selfie-takers alike. For artist Katie Grottenthaler, watching reactions to her mural is part of the fun. “People are always walking by and trying to get their picture taken with it,” Katie laughs in an interview with Downtown Ashland Association. “The mural at 109 England Street is a really fun addition to an already very artsy town.”

Ashland is a welcoming destination for creatives, so when Artistic Fusion owner and master stylist Jane Morris Baker posted she was looking for a muralist on Facebook, Katie jumped at the opportunity. “I drew a detailed sketch of a steampunk-style locomotive for Jane and she really liked it,” says Katie. “So I ran with it, and the concept developed more and more and more.”

Over the course of several months, the mural transformed from a sketch, to a canvas painting, to a projection, to a freehand painting. “Each element creates the whole design,” said Katie. “Making art like this allows me to be patient and just enjoy the process of creating.” 

As you stroll through Downtown Ashland–whether it is during Ashland Fourth Friday’s monthly art fairs, Ashland Saturday Soundtracks weekly concerts, or downtown restaurants and shops open daily–stop by Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s mural for a picture perfect memento.

Run the Rails in Downtown Ashland

Now in its 46th year, the Ashland Railroad Run continues to innovate. On Saturday, May 13, walkers, runners, and racers of all ages are treated to a new route through Stony Run Trail, multiple courses, and even virtual options. All race proceeds benefit Hanover Arts & Activities Center, a community center and wedding venue with a historic building and vibrant programs in Downtown Ashland, Virginia.

The Ashland Railroad Run has established itself as one of Central Virginia’s favorite races for runners in the Center of the Universe and beyond. Runners have been attracted to the 10k for decades for the picturesque course which begins and ends along the railroad tracks. This year, the course includes the very first “RAILS and TRAILS” path, which directs participants along the tracks and through tranquil wooded trails before returning to The Center.

Accessibility continues to be a focus of the Ashland Railroad run. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome on the 5k course while virtual participation is provided by Hanover Arts & Activities Center’s partner Arenal Events. Virtual participants are invited to pick up their shirts at The Center or non-local participants may ask for shipping.

Guests can choose between a 10k, 5k walk or run, a Kids Fun Run, and the COTU Challenge where racers complete both the 5k and 10k. First, second, and third place are awarded for the 5k, 10k, and COTU Challenge, while every child in the Kid's Fun Run is presented with a prize at the finish line.

Following the race, participants are invited to unwind in Downtown Ashland with a plethora of dining and entertainment options. 

Sign up for the Ashland Railroad Run here before May 13. All proceeds will be used to benefit the Hanover Arts and Activities Center’s mission to be a vital center of enrichment for all, through cultural, educational and community events.