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