Community invited to christen “Ashland’s Trashed Panda,” unofficial town mascot and international mischief-maker
He came through the ceiling. He drank the booze. He passed out in the bathroom. He made international headlines. And yet, Ashland’s most notorious raccoon still doesn’t have a name.
Since breaking into the Ashland ABC Store on Black Friday—sampling the inventory and promptly losing consciousness—Ashland’s Trashed Panda has captured hearts, headlines, and the collective imagination of neighbors far beyond the Center of the Universe. The only thing missing? A proper name worthy of his legacy.
To remedy this glaring omission, the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) is inviting the public to help officially name the raccoon who stole our spirits—literally and figuratively.
“Neighbors have affectionately called him everything from the ABC Bandit to the Rascally Raccoon,” said the Downtown Ashland Association in a statement. “But a legend of this magnitude deserves more than a nickname shouted across social media.”
The Trashed Panda phenomenon has already inspired an outpouring of creativity and generosity. Community-led fundraising efforts—powered by Trashed Panda merchandise including Minuteman Press of Ashland’s wildly popular Jolly Jaunt designs—have raised over $200,000 for Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter.
The raccoon has also crossed into musical history. Ashland Song Contest winners Tammy Hart Mosby and Victor Gottlieb penned earworm tributes that racked up more than 30,000 views, trended on Instagram, and prompted enthusiastic sing-alongs to lyrics like “a raccoon who knows his ABCs.” Still, the question remains: what do we actually call him?
That’s where the community comes in.
Residents and raccoon enthusiasts everywhere are encouraged to visit AshlandVirginia.com to submit their name ideas for Ashland’s Trashed Panda. Submissions are open now, and one inspired neighbor will walk away with a $50 gift certificate to the ARC of Hanover Thrift Store, along with the honor of having their chosen name announced in an official press release as downtown Ashland’s selected name for its unofficial mascot.
ARC of Hanover Thrift Store is downtown Ashland, famous for their sensory deprivation tent and free table at beloved Center of the Universe events like Ashland Fourth Fridays and Off the Rails: Boos, Brews, and BBQ. Their knack for bringing new life to discarded treasures makes their $50 Gift Card Thrift Store gift card not only a perfect prize for the new year but fitting for their inclusive mission. If anyone can
Even Downtown Ashland Association’s Executive Director Coach Antonio Miller weighed in on the movement’s deeper meaning.
“There’s something powerful about a town coming together over joy,” Miller said. “This raccoon reminded us that community doesn’t always show up in serious moments—sometimes it shows up laughing, singing, and doing good together. That deserves a name.”
Once a winning name is selected, Downtown Ashland Association will share it with the world—cementing the Trashed Panda’s place in Ashland lore.