Ashland’s ABC Raccoon Bandit Becomes the Holiday Hero Nobody Saw Coming

Ashland ABC Raccoon Bandit-inspired apparel is exclusively available thanks to Minuteman Press of Ashland

All eyes are on Downtown Ashland after the now-internationally infamous Ashland ABC Raccoon Bandit broke into the Center of the Universe and stole the hearts of residents and visitors alike. In true Ashland fashion, community partners moved faster than a raccoon spotting an unattended trashcan. Within hours, Minuteman Press of Ashland and Downtown Ashland Association teamed up to design and release two cozy crewneck sweatshirts starring Ashland’s newest mascot: our beloved, slightly chaotic, delightfully unhinged Trashed Panda.

Downtown Ashland Association will donate 20% of all proceeds to the Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter, whose quick response helped safely corral the reckless raccoon at ABC.

One of the new designs is a white crewneck featuring Ashland’s Most Wanted Party Animal — a mugshot-style illustration by Hanover Arts and Activities Center board member Brad Tuggle, complete with a Santa hat and Ashland VA sign. The second features a Trashed Panda popping out of a bottle-stuffed trashcan nestled inside a railtrack-themed Jolly Jaunt wreath — a nod to the raccoon’s rapidly expanding holiday résumé.

Ashland’s Trashed Panda in an exclusive interview with Downtown Ashland Association

In an “exclusive interview” on Downtown Ashland Association’s Instagram, the Ashland ABC Raccoon Bandit remained audaciously unfazed: “I’m not even mad Minuteman Press of Ashland made a shirt about me.” After what appeared to be a hiccup following a swig from an Origin Beer Lab growler, the raccoon added, “Let’s face it, I’m on the naughty list — but you can still make it. You can still Shop Ashland First… responsibly.”

Minuteman Press of Ashland owner Caroline Sweeney says the team knew they had to act fast.

“When a raccoon becomes a local celebrity literally overnight, you don’t waste time — you print shirts,” said Sweeney. “We wanted designs that truly captured his… let’s call it charm. And honestly? It felt good to take something wild and turn it into something warm, whimsical, and wonderfully Ashland.”

This rascally raccoon’s misadventures remind us how many ways you can safely “light up the tracks” this holiday season. LightUpTheTracks.com not only links to the limited-run raccoon apparel, but also provides a full list of seasonal events, raffles, and a Raccoon Hunt Map featuring cuddly critters hidden across Downtown Ashland starting on December 10 — complete with a prize raffle for the sharp-eyed sleuths who sniff them out.

The ABC Raccoon Bandit is even rumored to make public appearances this Saturday, December 6, using Amtrak Virginia as their designated driver (a responsible raccoon is a rare sight, after all). Sightings are expected at:

• Thrill of the Hunt’s England Street Market starting at 11 AM

• Caroling throughout Downtown Ashland starting at 5 PM

• The annual Jolly Jaunt, crawling at 6 PM from Ash & Olive → Caboose Market & Cafe → Origin Beer Lab → The Iron Horse Restaurant

The Iron Horse will host live music starting at 9 PM, and Ash & Olive will feature special Cask & Stave drink offerings beginning at 10 PM.

Whether you’re in it for the merch, the merriment, or the mayhem, Downtown Ashland invites you to join the festivities, support local businesses, and celebrate the legendary raccoon who reminded us all that even holiday chaos can bring a community closer.

Downtown Ashland Launches “The Great Raccoon Hunt” After ABC Bandit Goes Viral

Original Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter Facebook post

After the mysterious “Ashland ABC Bandit” raccoon made unexpected international headlines this fall, Downtown Ashland Association is turning viral fame into festive fun with a new community-wide promotion: The Great Raccoon Hunt, running December 9–31 throughout Downtown Ashland.

The hunt invites residents, visitors, and raccoon enthusiasts of all ages to explore participating local businesses in search of a small raccoon sticker cleverly hidden somewhere inside each shop. Once found, participants can snap a photo, tag @AshlandVirginia on Instagram, and scan a QR code at the register of the participating store to enter a holiday prize drawing.

The idea came from Collette Maranda, owner of Ashland Dance Academy and 110 Thompson, who saw an opportunity to celebrate Ashland’s playful new mascot.

“People around the world are enchanted by our Bandit,” said Maranda. “Why not use that excitement to support our small businesses, especially during the holiday season? It’s silly, it’s family-friendly, and it brings people right through the door.”

Maranda purchased the first 20 raccoon stickers to launch the program, and Downtown Ashland Association designed a matching 4x6 information card for participating shops. The first 20 businesses to sign up will receive both — delivered on Tuesday, December 9 by Maranda, Downtown Ashland staff, and possibly a group of costumed K-Pop–inspired demon hunters from Ashland Dance Academy for added flair.

Ashland Dance Academy’s KPop Demon Hunting Dancers distributing The Great Raccoon Hunt stickers with Downtown Ashland Association

“We are always looking for creative, joyful ways to bring people downtown,” said Louise Keeton, Director of Operations at Downtown Ashland Association. “The Great Raccoon Hunt is the perfect blend of local humor, community spirit, and increased foot traffic. Ashland has a wonderful reputation for embracing the unexpected — even when it comes with stripes and tiny bandit hands.”

The scavenger hunt concludes on New Year’s Eve, coinciding with the release of the new “Gonna Be Golden” milk-chocolate bars, another magical collaboration with Ashland Dance Academy, Minuteman Press of Ashland, and Downtown Ashland Association.

Visitors can learn more about the hunt and other holiday happenings at LightUpTheTracks.com

Ashland Cookbook Collection Pre-Order Extended!

Vintage cookbooks from Ashland, Virginia

Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended the pre-order deadline for the Ashland Cookbook Collection to Saturday, December 13! After Thanksgiving, neighbors, foodies, and history lovers alike realized these treasured recipes were disappearing from our shelves and tables. Now, cooks, bakers, and historians have extra time to bring this piece of Ashland history into their kitchens.

Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection

$30.00

Purchase

This holiday season, delight in 100 cherished recipes spanning the 1950s through the 2020s, lovingly compiled and printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland. From vintage church and community cookbooks to modern contributions from local neighbors, the Ashland Cookbook Collection is more than a cookbook—it’s a love letter to the Center of the Universe.

Ordering the Ashland Cookbook Collection before Saturday, December 13 is not only a way to preserve Ashland’s delicious history, it’s an investment in a rich future. Minuteman Press of Ashland is donating 20% of proceeds to the Downtown Ashland Association, which will share the funds with ARC of Hanover and St. James the Less Episcopal Church—continuing the original fundraising spirit of the vintage cookbooks compiled by church members and the Ashland Junior Woman’s Club.

Inside, you’ll discover vintage recipes ranging from savory dips and refreshing beverages to desserts that taste just like Grandma made them—because she probably was in Ashland decades before you were!

Contemporary recipes shine just as brightly, submitted by beloved local favorites like Suzanne Wolstenholme of Homemades by Suzanne and Ann Martin from the Ashland Museum. Many include mouthwatering notes like:

“A simple, flavorful roast with a sweet-and-smoky glaze that’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.”

But remember—there are only 50 books being printed! Get as many as you can while you can and secure your piece of Ashland history for your holiday table.

💛 Pre-Order Today!
Copies are $30 each. Pre-orders on LightUpTheTracks.com close Saturday, December 13—don’t miss your chance to bring home this treasured collection!

💻 Prefer digital? Make a $1 donation at LightUpTheTracks.com to the Downtown Ashland Association and receive a digital copy via email.

✨ Give the gift of Ashland history, flavor, and community this holiday season—before it’s too late!

Ashland Town Tree Lights Up Glen Allen

📍 Illumination Festival of Trees | ⏰ Now through January 4
🚂 Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060

Stepping into the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen during the Illumination Festival of Trees is like entering a glittering wonderland. Hallways glow with the warm reflection of countless ornaments, each tree a curated world of creativity and holiday spirit. Among them, the Ashland Town Tree quietly commands attention—not through grandeur alone, but through the remarkable generosity and artistry that brought it to life.

Ashland Town Tree at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen

This tree is a gift from Downtown Ashland Association’s in-kind sponsors, decorated on behalf of the neighbors who live and create in the Center of the Universe. Each ornament tells a story, and each story reflects a labor of love. Hand-painted oyster shells from Elizabeth Poole Art shimmer with delicate craftsmanship. Portraits of senior ambassadors, transformed into ornaments by Kristie Bradley Photography, capture the dignity, pride, and individuality of Ashland’s residents. Even covers of Neighbors of Ashland Magazine become ornaments, celebrating the people who make our town feel alive.

Neighbors of Ashland Magazine ornament featuring Mayor Steve Trivett

The tree sparkles with a spirit of local enterprise and artistic flair: a glittering horse from Changing Reins nods to Ashland’s equestrian heritage, while a steampunk-inspired ornament from A Masque Darkly sparks curiosity and delight. Slipped Disc Studios contributes a piece from their own family collection, a miniature home that reflects the creative heart of the Center of the Universe. And for those captivated by movement, sound, and precision, Tiny Tims Trains & Toys offers intricate model train-inspired ornaments, celebrating both hands-on learning and the playful magic of the season. Sparkling ornaments from Cece Cox Wolfe add the perfect finishing touch, bringing light and texture that make the tree feel alive.

Walking among the trees in the Center, it’s impossible not to notice the thought, talent, and care poured into each piece. The Ashland Town Tree is a celebration of community generosity and creativity, a living gallery where every ornament has its own story and every story enriches the whole. It’s an invitation to look closer, appreciate the artistry, and wander through a holiday world where Ashland truly shines.

Minuteman Press of Ashland Wraps the Community in Warmth—and Support

Randolph Macon College student Katie McGhinnis models Minuteman Press of Ashland Light Up the Tracks apparel

This holiday season, Minuteman Press of Ashland is giving back in the coziest way possible. They’ve launched a brand-new collection of snuggly sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, and cozy cocoa mugs featuring an exclusive Light Up the Tracks woven ugly-sweater design—and 20% of every purchase goes directly to Downtown Ashland Association.

The festive design celebrates everything that makes Ashland shine: sweet hearts for our Valentine Town spirit and, of course, the beloved railroad tracks that make our historic main street iconic. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, strolling under the holiday lights, or wrapping gifts at home, these pieces let you bundle up in hometown pride.

Minuteman Press of Ashland’s mobile T-shirt truck at downtown Ashland’s Grand Illumination

Purchasing Light Up the Tracks apparel isn’t just a stylish seasonal choice—it’s a meaningful way to fuel community impact. Donations to Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) help power media, marketing, and mentorship opportunities crafted especially for the Center of the Universe, extending Ashland’s reach far beyond our orbit.

Downtown Ashland Association puts every donated dollar to work by investing directly back into the community we love. As a nonprofit, DAA provides free First Wednesday business workshops and resources at the Ashland Branch Library, awards $35,000 in prizes through the Center Street Pitch Competition to help local entrepreneurs grow, and creates high-quality marketing and media for downtown businesses, sponsors, and supporters that reach millions each month. The award-winning non-profit proudly produces free, family-friendly events like Light Up the Tracks and Ashland Train Day—celebrations that strengthen our small businesses, bring neighbors together, and keep the Center of the Universe shining bright. Every Downtown Ashland Association apparel purchase from Minuteman Press of Ashland helps fuel this work and ensures Ashland continues to thrive.

Minuteman Press of Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks design

And Minuteman Press is just getting started. Their online store also features more downtown-inspired designs, including K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes, the Songs from the Center of the Universe band tee, and classic Ashland Train favorites. Every apparel purchase—no matter the design—gives 20% back to Downtown Ashland Association.

So go ahead: wrap yourself in community support this season. Order your Light Up the Tracks apparel before the holidays are fully wrapped up, and wear your Ashland pride by the hearth, down the tracks, and everywhere in between.