Leeanne Meadows Ladin First Recipient of the Inaugural Penny Chenery Award

In keeping with Penny Chenery’s long career of celebrating Secretariat’s legacy, promoting the best in racing, and honoring excellence in Thoroughbred athletes, the inaugural Penny Chenery award was presented to author/historian Leeanne Meadows Ladin of Montpelier, VA. The presentation was made on August 11 at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, VA after the running of the first-ever Penny Chenery race. Stephanie Nixon, chair of the Virginia Racing Commission, did the honors in the winner’s circle.

Secretariat Racing Into History

The "Secretariat Racing Into History" monument, sculpted by acclaimed artist Jocelyn Russell, stands as a remarkable tribute to the legendary Triple Crown champion in Virginia.

At the corner of England Street and Railroad Avenue on Randolph-Macon College

The new annual award, established by Penny’s children, recognizes a woman who has demonstrated outstanding sustained commitment to celebrating the achievements and legacies of Thoroughbred champions, for the benefit of the horse industry and the education of the public.

The family noted that Leeanne has been a tireless promoter of Secretariat’s story in person and in print and online for nearly two decades. As the co-author of the award-winning book, Secretariat’s Meadow, she toured the nation presenting Secretariat’s story to fans nationwide with eloquence and passion. She created and ran the original tourism program at the Meadow Event Park, formerly known as Meadow Stable, the birthplace of Secretariat. There, she narrated tours for visitors from all over the world. Additionally, she took care of the star of the tours, Groundshaker, a great-great-granddaughter of Secretariat and the last racehorse bred by Penny Chenery.

Leeanne led the successful effort to place the original barns and foaling shed at the Meadow on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. She inaugurated and organized the annual Secretariat Birthday Party which has been held in Ashland or at the Meadow ever since 2007. She was a key member of the team that brought the Secretariat Racing Into History monument to Ashland, VA. As a well-known media contact, she has helped to generate extensive coverage of Secretariat’s story locally and nationally. As a sought-after speaker, Leeanne traces not only Secretariat’s history but the formative role of Virginia in American horse racing.

Through her passion and knowledge, she has brought joy to fans nationwide and inspired new generations of fans to love Secretariat. Leeanne’s tireless efforts have burnished the Secretariat story and allowed it to shine in the hearts of fans everywhere.

Win Ashland Santa Train Tickets

You’ve been so nice this year, Downtown Ashland Association has a naughty secret to share with you. You can actually WIN Ashland Santa Train Tickets!

Guarantee holiday cheer when you enter to win 2 tickets for the magical December 1st Ashland Santa Train, proudly sponsored by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys! You won’t want to miss this festive ride, packed with holly jolly fun and seasonal surprises.

Three lucky winners will be notified by email on Friday, November 8, 2024, so don’t delay—enter today!

What You’ll Win:

🎅 Complimentary Coffee & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at the Ashland Amtrak Train Station, the perfect way to warm up before your adventure!

🚂 A Round-Trip Excursion aboard reserved Amtrak passenger cars, heading to the historic charm of Colonial Williamsburg.

🎤 Onboard Entertainment straight from the North Pole, featuring SANTA, his elves, Christmas carols, and even a visit from the Polar Express Conductor!

🌟 A magical visit to Colonial Williamsburg, where you can stroll through the Historic Area and soak up the holiday spirit.

🎄 Time to explore Merchants Square, offering holiday shopping, restaurants, and all the yuletide cheer you can handle!

Schedule:

🕗 8:47 AM: Depart Ashland Train Station

🕗 10:36 AM: Arrive in Williamsburg

🕗 4:07 PM: Depart Williamsburg

🕗 5:47 PM: Return to Ashland Train Station

Whether you’re dashing through the snow or making spirits bright, the Ashland Santa Train is sure to get you on track for a day full of Christmas cheer! Enter now for your chance to win a seat on this unforgettable holiday journey!

Ashland Santa Train Raffle Tickets

$5.00

Celebrating Ten Years of Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys

Downtown Ashland, Virginia, has been on track for ten years of boundless fun, imagination, and train-themed joy, all thanks to Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys. Since its grand debut, this charming store has been the heartbeat of Ashland's vibrant community, and owner Suzanne Hemingway couldn't be prouder of the journey.

"My mission was and still is to be the local toy store I went to as a child," Hemingway says with a smile. "I love kid chaos. Yes, there is stuff kids can touch in this Hobby Store. The more squeals the better." It's this infectious enthusiasm that has made Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys a favorite destination for families far and wide.

The story of Tiny Tim's begins with a personal touch: Hemingway named the store after her son Colin, who played Tiny Tim in Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Randolph-Macon College in 2005. What started with a simple train layout in 2007 evolved into a full-fledged business in 2014, thanks to the support of friends like Arthur Brill and Beth Royal, who helped shape the store into the whimsical wonderland it is today.

From the very start, Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys has been a treasure trove for both young and seasoned enthusiasts. Initially stocked with toys, games, and science kits, the store quickly adapted to meet the needs of its customers, expanding its offerings to include a delightful array of model trains. "I was open to being what my customers wanted," Hemingway explains. "Model train lovers came in, and I started carrying more trains."

The store’s success is due in no small part to its dedicated team. Sonja Myers, who joined the store over nine years ago, and Russell Youens, a lifelong model train collector, have become integral to its success. Hemingway notes, "I know of no other colleagues who would check in inventory at 11 pm or pack a van at 5 am for a train show." Their dedication ensures that Tiny Tim’s remains at the forefront of the toy and train world.

As Ashland has evolved, so has Tiny Tim's. The store has been a proud participant in the town's growth, from updated sidewalks to a new Amtrak platform. "We’ve personally invited thousands of families to visit us in the Center of the Universe," Hemingway says. With the addition of the VIRTUAL RAILFAN and sponsorship of the southbound cam, Tiny Tim's has become a key player in Ashland's rail enthusiast community.

Ashland Santa Train Raffle Tickets

$5.00

Tiny Tim's is not just a toy store; it's a beacon of joy and community spirit. It offers an array of manipulatives, puzzles, and crafts designed to reduce stress and aid in cognitive and motor skill development. The store’s dedication to helping families through play is evident in its selection of games designed by therapists to target specific skills and enhance communication.

Hemingway’s vision extends beyond mere toys; it’s about creating magical experiences. The annual Ashland Train Day scavenger hunt and the enchanting Ashland Santa Train are just two examples of how Tiny Tim's creates enduring memories in the Center of the Universe. And for those looking to embrace the magic of the holiday season year, Susan Lowe’s picture book “Christmas Adventures at the Toy Store” is available for purchase.

In addition to toys and trains, visitors can find a variety of Ashland-themed merchandise, from hats to mugs to ornaments, making Tiny Tim's a perfect stop for souvenirs.

As we celebrate a decade of Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys, we tip our hats to Suzanne Hemingway and her dedicated team. Their passion for play, history, and community shines brightly in every corner of the store. "I am so glad I took a step, chance, crossed the tracks," Hemingway reflects. With ten years of delightful memories and countless more to come, Tiny Tim's is a testament to the joy and magic that a small-town toy store can bring.

Here’s to many more years of trains, toys, and endless squeals of joy! All aboard for another decade of fun at Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys!

Announcing the 1949 Film Series at the Ashland Theatre

The Ashland Theatre is thrilled to announce a monthly series of $5 films from 1949 as a continuation of the 75th Anniversary celebrations.

The Ashland Theatre celebrated 75 years on August 10, 2023, kicking off a year-long film series of classic films from 1948 and all tickets were just 75¢. Over the course of the year, nearly 3,000 patrons came out to catch these films on the silver screen.  Highlights included Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope, the beloved musical Easter Parade, and the celebration kick-off showing of various Looney Tunes cartoon shorts.

The final film of the 1948 series, The Pirate, stars Judy Garland and Gene Kelly plays August 12 at 7PM.

“The response to the 1948 series was better than we could have imagined.  It became clear that these films were fulfilling an unspoken need of the community.” said General Manager Courtney F. Caldwell.  “There was no question that we should continue the series, and we wanted to keep the ticket price lower than our regular films in the spirit of celebration.”  All tickets for the 1949 series are $5.

All films will be shown at 7PM, and tickets for the full series are on sale now.

• Monday, September 16: All the King’s Men, Academy Award Best Picture 1949

• Monday, October 21: Dumbo, the Disney classic film, originally released in 1941, was re-released in 1949

• Monday, November 18: I was a Male War Bride, starring Cary Grant

• Monday, December 16: Little Women, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Leigh

• Monday, January 13, 2025: Adam’s Rib, starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy

• Monday, February 10, 2025: They Live by Night, starring Cathy O’Donnell and Farley Granger

• Monday, March 10, 2025: Under Capricorn, directed by Alfred Hitchcock

• Monday, April 14, 2025: The Heiress, starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

• Monday, May 12, 2025: I Shot Jesse James, starring Preston Foster and John Ireland

• Monday, June 16, 2025: The Small Back Room, starring David Farrar and Kathleen Byron

• Monday, July 14, 2025: The Third Man, starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles

• Monday, August 11, 2025: Jour de fête, starring Jacques Tati and Paul Frankeur

For more information, please visit ashlandtheatre.org.

Ashland Theatre

Featuring first run and classic films and live music, the historic Ashland Theatre re-opened in 2018 following a two-year renovation. Unique art deco details paired with state of the art technology, brand new plush seating, expanded concession stands, full ABC license and a VIP lounge with box seats to accommodate up to 300 patrons, Ashland Theatre is downtown Ashland’s premiere venue for entertainment.

205 England St 
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 401-7007
ashlandtheatre.org

The historic Ashland Theatre, built in 1948, is an art deco-style, 260-seat entertainment venue.
The Ashland Theatre Foundation’s mission is to reinvent the classic American movie house
experience through exceptional film, live performances, and live music. As a non-profit
organization, we will deliver a deeper level of engagement through speakers, panels,
talkbacks, and events that entertain, educate, inspire, and are welcoming to all.

August Ashland Fourth Fridays Guide

Looking for the perfect way to start your weekend? Look no further than Ashland Fourth Fridays! On August 23, from 5 to 8 PM, downtown Ashland transforms into a bustling hub of free entertainment, shopping, and community fun. Get ready to dive into the weekend with excitement and joy, as we've got an array of activities lined up that will make your Friday evening one to remember.

Shop 'Til You Drop at Ashland's Unique Stores

Why not kick off your weekend with some late-night shopping? The Ashland Museum is your first stop, offering fascinating exhibitions and Secretariat-themed merchandise that captures the town’s rich history. If you're looking for local art and crafts, head over to RefunkIt for unique home, office, and wardrobe items, plus cool gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Celebrating a decade of joy, make sure you gallop to Tiny Tims Trains and Toys for state-of-the-art model trains, must-have toys for all ages, and Breyer Horse Painting!

Don’t miss The Shop at 112, open exclusively for Fourth Fridays, where you can find curated home decor, paint selections, mixers, and Ashland-themed merchandise. RichmondReallySews sells handmade crafts inside 110 Thompson as a fundraiser for their upcoming Frocktails Fashion Show, while Paint Me a Perfect World offers unique jewelry and oddities outside RED VEIN Escape. At Ashland Tattoo Company, discover a variety of items for your home and wardrobe from various vendors. And the award-winning Free to Read booth outside the Ashland Branch Library is back, offering free books suitable for youth and young adult readers – take as many as you can carry!

Engaging Entertainment to Light Up Your Friday Night

The evening kicks off with the highly anticipated announcement of the Ashland Song Contest winner. The lucky winner will not only perform their Ashland-themed song live at September’s Ashland Fourth Fridays but also grace the Light Up the Tracks Celebration and be available for streaming on major music platforms. Don't miss this chance to witness local talent shine!

At the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, enjoy a double feature: the Ashland Dance Academy will showcase their newest dance routines, followed by a free Nashville-style concert by Kari Smith of Rhythm Ranch. For those seeking a bit of adventure, RED VEIN Escape offers immersive escape room experiences that are sure to thrill.

For a touch of celebrity glamour, 110 Thompson hosts a special guest for photo ops – past guests have included favorites like Princess Belle, Bluey, and Queen Elsa. Plus, they’ll be handing out free treats like popcorn and cotton candy. And for a dash of local lore, join the Ashland Haunted History Tours as they celebrate five years of spine-chilling stories with tours around town.

Savor the Flavors of Ashland

Ashland’s farm-to-fork cuisine is staying open late to satisfy your cravings. Indulge in Farmview Creamery’s delicious soft serve at Ashland Town Hall, and grab a perfect cup of coffee or tea from Classic Coffee and Tea at 110 Thompson. Bravo Bake Company sets up their perfect pastries outside of Changing Reins - just in front of outdoor dining and picnic areas along Railroad Avenue.

Join Us for a Fantastic Fourth Friday!

Make this Friday a night to remember by joining us at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 23. With a fantastic lineup of free entertainment, unique shopping experiences, and delicious food, it’s the perfect way to start your weekend on a high note. See you there, and let's kick off the weekend with a bang!