September Fourth Fridays Guide

Get ready for an extraordinary evening in historic downtown Ashland! The final Ashland Fourth Fridays of the summer season is upon us, and this year’s celebration is extra special. Join us on September 27, from 5-8 PM, for an event that not only highlights our community’s spirit but also marks a key celebration of Virginia Pride—a spectacular month-long tribute to the LGBTQ community across the state.

A Night of Dynamic Entertainment

The festivities kick off at 5 PM with an impressive lineup of performances by the Ashland Dance Academy at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. From the elegance of ballet to the energy of hip-hop and the flair of musical theatre, these talented dancers will bring the stage to life.

Following the dance performances, enjoy a free concert featuring the Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray, who will grace us with her award-winning song. The celebration continues with special performances from other song contest finalists, showcasing their original Center of the Universe-themed creations.

And don’t miss The Sweet Potatoes, a fearless jazz quartet known for their soulful takes on classic covers, innovative originals, and spontaneous jams. With vocal scats, vibrant violin riffs, and a dynamic rhythm section, they’ll have you grooving all night long.

Delicious Bites and Unique Finds

As you enjoy the music and performances, explore an array of vendors around Ashland Town Hall and 110 Thompson Street. TransJam Events, a trans-led service dedicated to organizing fun, inclusive, and engaging local events, will be bringing you a diverse range of vendors offering everything from homemade jams and pastries to original art and tarot readings. 

Treat yourself to sweet and savory crepes from Moniques Crepes or savor Mediterranean-inspired pressed sandwiches from Bikini Panini. Capture a memorable photo with a special guest at 110 Thompson Street—previous visitors have included Bluey, Princess Belle, and Queen Elsa. And don’t forget to grab some free popcorn and cotton candy from Ashland Dance Academy!

Show Your True Colors

In celebration of Virginia Pride, we encourage everyone to let their true colors shine. Dress in your brightest rainbow attire and show your pride as we come together to create a colorful, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re waving rainbow flags or sporting colorful accessories, let’s make this event a vivid display of unity and joy.

Art, Entertainment, and Community Spirit

Discover more artistic wonders with KandiMan’s original soft sculptures in front of Changing Reins, and browse Immagine LLC’s art outside Ashland Meat Company. Don’t miss Free to Read’s book giveaway outside the Ashland Branch Library. Engage in immersive games with RED VEIN Escape or delve into Ashland’s darker history with the Ashland Haunted History Tours.

Local restaurants and shops will stay open late, offering delicious farm-to-fork feasts and showcasing curated art and housewares, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join the Celebration!

This final Ashland Fourth Fridays of the summer season is not just a community event; it's a celebration of inclusivity, pride, and local spirit. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to experience a night of vibrant entertainment, diverse food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Let’s celebrate our community, embrace our true colors, and make this a night to remember. See you in downtown Ashland!

Apoyo a los empresarios Latinos en Ashland

The Downtown Ashland Association is excited to unveil a new series of free Spanish language workshops aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and organizations. Led by the dynamic Shanna Kabatznick of Shanna K Consulting Services, these four hands-on sessions will offer practical strategies that aim to uplift and support Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs at every level.
La Asociación del Centro de Ashland se complace en presentar una nueva serie de talleres gratuitos en español destinados a empoderar a empresarios y organizaciones locales. Dirigidas por la dinámica Shanna Kabatznick de Shanna K Consulting Services, estas cuatro sesiones ofrecerán estrategias prácticas que tienen como objetivo elevar y apoyar a los empresarios de habla hispana en todos los niveles.

Workshop Schedule - Horario del Taller:

• September 12, 2024 – Basic Steps to Start Your Business
  12 de septiembre 2024 7pm – Pasos Básicos para iniciar tu Negocio

  • This introductory workshop is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their business ideas into reality. Participants will learn the fundamental principles necessary for launching a successful business.

  • Este taller introductorio está diseñado para aspirantes a emprendedores listos para convertir sus ideas de negocio en realidad. Los participantes aprenderán los principios fundamentales necesarios para lanzar un negocio exitoso.

• September 19, 2024 – Establish Marketing Tactics to Grow Your Business
  19 de septiembre 2024 7pm – Establezca tácticas de marketing para hacer crecer su negocio

  • Discover how to effectively identify and segment your market. This session will guide you in setting specific marketing objectives to reach and engage your ideal customers.
    Descubra cómo identificar y segmentar su mercado de manera efectiva. Esta sesión le guiará en el establecimiento de objetivos de marketing específicos para atraer a sus clientes ideales.

• September 26, 2024 – Let’s Talk About Finances and How to Manage Them in Your Business
  26 de septiembre 2024 7pm– Hablemos de finanzas y cómo gestionarlas en negocio

  • Enhance your business’s financial health by diving into essential financial management techniques. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge needed to oversee and improve your business finances.
    Mejore la salud financiera de su empresa profundizando técnicas esenciales de gestión financiera. Este taller te equipará con el conocimiento para supervisar y mejorar las finanzas de tu negocio.

• October 3, 2024 – Establishing a Five-Year Plan to Continue Your Business
  3 de octubre de 2024 7pm – Establecer un plan de 5 años para continuar con su negocio

  • Ensure the longevity and success of your small business with a robust five-year plan. Utilizing SWOT analysis, this session will help you evaluate your business and strategize for a prosperous future.
    Garantice la longevidad y el éxito de su negocio con un sólido plan de cinco años. Utilizando el análisis FODA, esta sesión lo ayudará a evaluar su negocio y elaborar estrategias para un futuro próspero.

All workshops will be held in person at 7 PM inside The Gathering Place (155 Junction Dr, Ashland, VA 23005) and are fully ADA accessible. 
Todos los talleres se llevarán a cabo en persona en The Gathering Place (155 Junction Dr, Ashland, VA 23005) y son totalmente accesibles según la ADA.

Shanna Kabatznick, acclaimed as the “Queen of Hookups,” is known for her energetic and engaging presentation style. An international bilingual speaker, trainer, and consultant, Shanna excels in creating an environment where attendees feel motivated and informed.
Shanna Kabatznick, aclamada como la "Reina de las conexiones", es conocida por su estilo de presentación enérgico y atractivo. Es una capacitadora y consultora bilingüe internacional, Shanna se destaca en la creación de un entorno donde los participantes se sienten motivados e informados.

Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor these workshops for a unique opportunity to connect with the community of entrepreneurs. Sponsorship includes marketing benefits and promotional space at the events. 
Estos talleres también son una buena oportunidad para las empresas locales a patrocinar y tener una oportunidad única de conectarse con la comunidad de emprendedores. El patrocinio incluye beneficios de marketing y espacio promocional en los eventos.

For more details on each workshop, sponsorships, and to learn more about Shanna Kabatznick, visit AshlandVirginia.com/Espanol

Louise Keeton Named Director of Operations

The Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Louise Keeton to Director of Operations. Since joining DAA as Marketing Director in March 2023, Keeton has played a pivotal role in elevating the organization’s presence, earning over nine million media impressions and increasing digital media engagement by an astounding 700%. Their innovative event planning efforts have drawn more than 35,000 visitors to Downtown Ashland, solidifying the town’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming community hub and one of the top mainstreets in America.

In their new role as Director of Operations, Keeton will oversee the planning of beloved community events such as Ashland Train Day, Ashland Halloween, Light Up the Tracks, and Ashland Fourth Fridays. Additionally, they will lead DAA’s marketing initiatives, representing the organization across TV, radio, social media, and print, with a focus on making Downtown Ashland a premier destination for both locals and visitors.

"Appointing Keeton as Director of Operations is the best decision Downtown Ashland Association has ever made," said Executive Director Coach Antonio Miller.

Keeton’s connection to Ashland runs deep, having moved to the town in seventh grade. Their passion for the community was evident from a young age, as they eagerly volunteered with the Ashland Variety Show, the Ashland Theatre, and other local initiatives. This commitment to the arts and community engagement ultimately led to the founding of the Whistle Stop Theatre Company, a non-profit organization that has become a cornerstone of Ashland’s cultural landscape.

Under Keeton’s leadership, the Whistle Stop Theatre Company has spent over a decade earning widespread recognition, including being named “Best of Richmond” “ and “Women in the Arts” by Style Weekly readers. Two of Keeton’s original plays have been published by YouthPlays, and their production “Cinderella: The Fairy Godmother’s Tale” was featured in the New York Children’s Theatre Festival. The Whistle Stop Theatre Company, a family-run, volunteer-based organization, has been praised for its dedication to providing quality entertainment that empowers, educates, and inspires audiences to develop their skills in empathy, literature, history, and imagination.

Reflecting on their journey, Keeton shared, "Ashland has been the center of my universe since childhood. From the moment I became an Ashland resident, my neighbors made me feel safe, seen, and embraced. I want everyone to feel so welcome in downtown Ashland. It is truly a dream job to be able to plan events and marketing on behalf of downtown Ashland."

Before joining DAA, Keeton honed their skills in brand amplification, digital growth, and content creation. Their tenure as a Digital Producer at Virginia’s Home for Public Media (VPM) was marked by numerous successes, including the development of innovative strategies to transform radio, podcast, and television content for social media. Keeton’s work at VPM garnered significant recognition, with their strategies being highlighted in Current’s “Local That Works,” PBS Tech Con’s “Steal This Idea,” and in Regional Edward R. Murrow Award prizes for Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Social Media for three consecutive years. Keeton’s strategy for VPM’s Instagram grew the audience by over thirteen thousand followers.

Keeton’s impressive career trajectory, coupled with their deep commitment to the Ashland community, makes them an invaluable asset to the Downtown Ashland Association as they step into this new leadership role.

None of these efforts would be possible without the support of the community. To contribute to the continued success of Downtown Ashland Association, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at AshlandVirginia.com/giving

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!

Sold out

Ashland Santa Train Raffle Tickets

$5.00