Downtown Ashland is Gonna Be Golden This New Year’s Eve

2025 Gonna Be Golden ticket winners in ReFunkIt

In the Center of the Universe, the countdown to 2026 is getting sweeter. Downtown Ashland Association is thrilled to announce the launch of its Gonna Be Golden milk-chocolate bars — a limited-edition treat designed to delight chocolate lovers, celebrate community, and support local businesses this New Year’s Eve.

Inspired by KPop Demon Hunter, the “Gonna Be Golden” name was dreamed up by the owner of Caramia Arts - Angelica Valencia - who, as a face painting, glitter tattoo, fairy hair, and airbrush artist, is no stranger to glowing up. “The same way Huntress spreads joy through song, we hope to spread sweetness through Ashland,” said Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for Downtown Ashland Association. “It’s a joyful way to close out the year while giving our community a chance to enter 2026 winners.”

Ashland Dance Academy through the lens of Robert Pfeifer

Thanks to the generosity of Ashland Dance Academy, 110 Thompson, and Minuteman Press of Ashland, 200 Gonna Be Golden creamy milk-chocolate bars have been created — and 10 of them contain golden tickets! Each golden ticket unlocks fabulous downtown prizes, including a $40 gift basket from Take Away, a Homemades by Suzanne Snack Pack complete with a pint of chicken salad, rolls, and a chocolate chess pie, and even a mystery prize from Refunkit.

“Minuteman Press loves sponsoring events that bring our community together,” said Caroline Sweeney, owner of Minuteman Press of Ashland. “If it’s something we can support at the time, we’re always happy to help make it happen.”

“I hope this fundraiser not only supports Ashland’s incredible events but also draws more foot traffic to our local shops,” added Colette Maranda, owner of Ashland Dance Academy and 110 Thompson.

Beginning on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, Gonna Be Golden chocolate bars will be available at select downtown retailers, including Chirp, Take Away, Homemades by Suzanne, Refunkit, and Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys. Miss Timmie’s will offer bars on Saturdays, and Wagner Jewelers will join the lineup when they come back from winter break in early January.

To add to the excitement, Ashland Dance Academy is forming their own “Huntress Group,” preparing a KPop Demon Hunter performance around participating stores to celebrate the spirit of the season.

“Downtown Ashland has a way of turning every season into a reason to celebrate,” said Coach Antonio Miller, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “The Gonna Be Golden bars are a shining symbol of the joy, creativity, and connection that make our downtown truly golden year-round.”

Downtown Ashland Association invites visitors to hop aboard Amtrak Virginia and journey into Ashland’s winter wonderland of historic charm, curated shopping, and farm-to-fork dining to search for these Gonna Be Golden prizes — and experience the sweet magic that makes the Center of the Universe shine all year long.

Find the Gonna Be Golden bar location map, list of prizes, and more details at AshlandVirginia.com/taste.