RCI Builders Constructs Memories in Touch-a-Truck at Ashland Train Day

RCI Builders proudly announces its sponsorship of Ashland Train Day's interactive Touch-a-Truck feature. Led by Vice President/Co-Owner Patrick Ashley and President/Co-Owner Todd Rogers, RCI Builders is about laying more than foundations for new homes; it's about laying down foundations of support and connection within the Ashland community.

RCI Builders' sponsorship of Touch-a-Truck at Ashland Train Day not only showcases heavy equipment and construction vehicles—it fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity among children and families. Patrick Ashley emphasizes, "Gear heads of all ages come together to explore heavy equipment, fire trucks, ambulances, dump trucks, and tractors. I like seeing kids and adults alike enjoy the hands-on experience with the massive machinery on display." 

But RCI Builders' commitment to the community goes beyond this thrilling sponsorship. It's deeply ingrained in their philosophy, as Todd Rogers articulates, "We believe in the power of community, in the importance of giving back, and in nurturing connections that last a lifetime." From sponsoring food servings with Moments of Hope Outreach to funding school ground improvements and supporting various local organizations like Hanover Young Life, RCI Builders is dedicated to enriching the lives of those around them.

Moreover, RCI takes immense pride in its achievements in the realm of innovative home designs. Rogers highlights their latest creations, including the Hayden Lee floor plan, designed to cater to modern buyers seeking flexibility and personalization, and the James and Aliya-Grace floor plans, offering affordable options for first-time homebuyers. These designs, like well-laid tracks, guide buyers toward their dream homes with precision and style.

As Ashland Train Day draws near on April 27, RCI Builders extends a warm invitation to all to join in the festivities. Make sure to visit the trucks on display, where gearheads of all ages will get a hands-on experience with their favorite vehicles. All aboard for a day of fun, laughter, and community camaraderie—next stop, Ashland Train Day!

The Spirit Behind Ashland Train Day’s Kid Zone

Ashland Train Day’s Kid Zone 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever! And who's leading the charge? None other than Ashland’s New Community Church.

In an exclusive interview with Brandon Baldwin, he shared enthusiasm for the event, "The train rides and bounce houses are a blast, but I think the kids’ favorite parts are the face painting and the free prize wheel. From pencils to toys to lollipops, we love seeing the kids get so excited about whatever they win."

But it's not just about the activities; it's about the memories. Brandon reminisces, "Beyond all the smiling faces, it's seeing how much our volunteers get out of the day. Sure, we’re all tired by the end of the day, but year after year, so many leave saying how much they love this community."

The heart behind New Community Church's involvement is clear: to foster a sense of belonging and joy within the community. Brandon expresses, "Our church wants the kid zone to be a free experience that is safe and fun for kids and families. It’s important for kids to feel that their community is safe and that their community is for them. That is our desire as a church, too - to send a message that we are for you and we are for this community."

So, what's the ultimate goal for attendees of the Kid Zone this Ashland Train Day? According to Brandon, it's simple: "Great memories and a full heart."

With the New Community Church team at the helm, Ashland Train Day's Kid Zone promises a day filled with laughter, adventure, and plenty of family fun. So mark your calendars for April 27th, and make sure to stop by the Kid Zone sponsored by New Community Church. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Count Down to Train Day

It's time again to dust off your conductor hat and polish your whistle – because Ashland Train Day is back! On April 27, Downtown Ashland is celebrating two decades of locomotive glory from 10am to 4pm. Read on and discover how you can plan for a full day of free family-friendly fun.

Ashland Train Day has been a cherished tradition for 20 years, where generations have come together to revel in railroad history and lore, model trains, trucks you can touch, kiddie train rides, and trainspotting free of charge. You can find the full schedule of events at AshlandTrainDay.com

AshlandTrainDay.com

After decades of railfanning, Ashland Train Day has surpassed being a local celebration and has become a global sensation–reaching over a million people worldwide! With all eyes on Ashland, Train Day promises a locomotive load of exposure to dedicated donors. Learn how to bring your brand on board.

Sponsor

Don't miss your chance to hop on board as a vendor and showcase your goods to thousands of visitors! Whether it’s a non-profit or a business, this is your ticket to reach a record audience of local families. Apply now and reserve your spot before the April 15th deadline steams away!

Vend

To keep this event free and fabulous for everyone, we depend on the power of nearly 200 dedicated volunteers. Your involvement ensures smooth organization and top-notch safety measures for all. Join our volunteer team today and keep our cherished event on track.

Volunteer

And speaking of heroes, don't miss your chance to snag the latest Ashland Train Day gear featuring hometown legend Secretariat Racing into History! Designed by Geoff Stone and produced by We Think in Ink, these exclusive items – from posters to hoodies, tote bags to dog bandanas – are available for pre-order now.

Order

Two roundtrip Amtrak tickets to anywhere along the East Coast could be yours when you enter the Ashland Train Day raffle! The winner will be selected on April 27. Claim your virtual entry before this deal pulls out of the station.

Enter

So, dear visitors, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to embark on a journey through railroad history at the 20th Ashland Train Day on April 27 from 10 - 4 PM in Downtown Ashland. See you at the station!

Secretariat Day Celebration Schedule

The Town of Ashland has proclaimed Saturday, March 30th “Secretariat Day” to celebrate the birthday of the legendary Triple Crown champion and to hold the long-awaited dedication ceremony for the stunning bronze statue “Secretariat Racing Into History” by sculptor Jocelyn Russell.

As a tribute to Secretariat’s Virginia roots and his still-unbroken track records in the 1973 Triple Crown, the majestic sculpture will be standing on a base containing portions of sand from the original training track at Meadow Stable and from the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont tracks.

The Secretariat Day festivities are free and run from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Secretariat Day Schedule

• 11:00 am – 1:30 pm: Ashland Theatre

  • free showing of “Secretariat” movie with welcome by Kate Chenery Tweedy and sculptor Jocelyn Russell

• 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Randolph-Macon Parking Lot, next to Secretariat Plaza

  • live music by local musicians, food trucks, local vendors and exhibits including a time capsule with a scroll for fans to sign for Secretariat Day; also a “Kiddie Corral” with crafts, a Secretariat coloring sheet, real jockey silks, and more.

• 2:00 pm: Dedication Ceremony For “Secretariat Racing Into History”, Randolph-Macon parking lot and Secretariat Reynolds Family Plaza

  • Ceremonial Call to Post

  • Guest speakers

  • Special Performance by Bubba Johnson and the Second Zion Baptist Church Gospel Choir

  • Ribbon-cutting for “Secretariat Racing Into History”

  • Secretariat birthday cake and cupcakes

  • Photo ops and festivities continue 

• 3:15 -3:45 pm: Ashland Theatre

  • Jocelyn Russell and Kate Tweedy speak on “The Secretariat Monument’s Journey to Ashland”

• 4:00 pm: Secretariat dedication event concludes

Livestream Available: If you cannot attend the event, our friends at the Virginia Equine Alliance are going to livestream all the action on the Virginia Horse Racing YouTube Channel.

Look for These Exhibitors in the Secretariat Plaza

• Tim Robinson’s Sound Station Tent

• Main Information Tent  

• Secretariat’s Meadow books and merchandise  

• Ashland Museum– Time Capsule Station

• Kiddie Corral Activities– Jockey Silks Photo Station; Coloring Station

• Downtown Ashland Association

• Montpelier Center for Arts & Education

• Secretariat Legacy Books -  Patricia McQueen  

• Secretariat Artist - Judith McKinney

• RMC Equestrian Table

• Champion Saddlery Table

• Virginia Equine Alliance Table  

• Virginia Horse Council

Enjoy our Local Food Vendors

• Los Regios Center of the Universe Tacos  

• Monique's Crepes

• Farmview Creamery  -  Offering Big Red Floats!

Live Music Lineup

courtesy of Tim Robinson and Center Street Sound Company

11:15 am – 11:45 am, Chad’s Fault – Ashland based acoustic duo consisting of Vonda Fox and Tim Robinson covering Country, Southern Rock, Indie, and Blues.

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm, Matt Treacy – A Hanover native and lead engineer of Free Jambalaya Studio here in Ashland, Matt has played in a number of bands since 2012 and has produced records for many artists in the studio.  He currently leads audio teams for the podcast Phantom Limb and the film company BENspired Productions.

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm, The Self-Righteous Brothers –This duo consists of brothers Ned and Chris Henson who are mainstays on Ashland stages and beyond.  They perform a wide range of covers from the past and present and are always a crowd pleaser.

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm, part of ceremony, Bubba Johnson and Mt. Zion Baptist Choir – Members of this esteemed choir have roots stemming back to working directly with Secretariat. They will help celebrate the day with inspirational songs honoring the unveiling of the statue.

Changing Reins: Changing Equine Innovation in Ashland

In the bustling world of equestrian commerce, Changing Reins emerges as a beacon of innovation and connection, offering a distinctive blend of products and experiences to their patrons. Founded by Anne and Dave Heflin, the shop's journey from inception to prominence embodies a narrative of passion, adaptation, and unexpected joys.

Reflecting on their transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, Anne shares, "We decided to take a chance on this business venture, and 17 years later, here we are." With over two decades spent in IT management, Anne and Dave embarked on a new chapter, driven by Anne's lifelong love for horses. Dave, initially unfamiliar with equines, became Anne's steadfast partner, supporting her venture into the equestrian world wholeheartedly. Anne muses, "He supported me 100%, in fact, he had to nudge me and has been my steadfast partner since the beginning."

Changing Reins' uniqueness lies in its evolution from a consignment-based model to a multifaceted retail space. Anne elaborates, "We started with offering only 'gently-used' consignment items for the equestrian rider, mainly tack and clothing." Over time, the shop expanded its repertoire, incorporating new items alongside vintage equestrian finds and imaginative gifts. This merging of practicality with creativity distinguishes Changing Reins from conventional tack shops, fostering a dynamic shopping experience for patrons. Anne recalls the time a little boy came into the shop with a pail. He reportedly asked Dave for some worms. Dave said, “I’m sorry big guy but we don’t have any worms here” to which the boy’s father said, “See, I told you this wasn’t a “tackle” shop……it’s a “tack” shop!” This interaction is just one example of the personal touch Changing Reins brings to guests of all ages.

The Heflins are currently proud owners of one of Secretariat’s descendants - so they understand Big Red’s indelible legacy on a whole other level. Ahead of Secretariat Day on March 30, 2024, Changing Reins, has developed a dedication to the legendary racehorse Secretariat, the legendary racehorse. Anne expresses her admiration, stating, "He is just the greatest racehorse ever!" Souvenir items dedicated to Secretariat includes stuffed toy mini “Secretariats”, note cards, t-shirts, prints, and more.

The spirit of connection permeates Changing Reins, as Anne fondly recalls memorable moments shared with patrons. From outfitting young riders for their inaugural horse shows to humorous exchanges with curious visitors, each interaction embodies the essence of community and joy.

As Changing Reins continues to carve its niche in the equestrian landscape, it remains a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Through its ever-changing inventory and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the shop stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the equestrian lifestyle.