*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.