Song Contest Winners Take the Stage for a Live Concert and Historic Recording

Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert on the front porch of historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

Ashland has long inspired music in the hearts of those who stroll its picturesque streets—but now, the town’s unique charm will be immortalized in song. Join us for the Songs from the Center of the Universe concert on Saturday, September 27 at 11 AM on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, where the Ashland Song Contest winners will perform their original, Ashland-inspired anthems—live and on the record.

Bring your blanket or pull up a folding chair provided by the Center, and become part of history as Free Jambalaya professionally records each performance for distribution across all major streaming platforms and airplay on K101.2 POP Richmond. It’s a free celebration of music, community, and the stories that make Ashland sing.

Sarah Forti recording her Ashland Song Contest entry

🎤 Live Music from Ashland’s Brightest Songwriters
 This hometown concert features the winners of the Ashland Song Contest, each of whom captured the spirit of Ashland through melody and lyrics. From laugh-out-loud tracks to soulful serenades, the lineup includes:

  • Sarah Forti, whose humorous “Don’t Drive on the Tracks” warns:
    Please don’t drive down the railroad tracks, my friend /
    They won’t get you where you’re going, in the end /
    If you’re not driving a train…

  • Kevin Fergusson, who sings of Ashland’s wonder in A Day and Night in Ashland:
    I saw the Center of the Universe on view, /
    Out here in the small and precious town of Ashland.

  • Beloved local musician Victor Gottlieb, who says, “I got never-ending support and inspiration all the way through this fun contest.” Victor’s songwriting nearly became a full album dedicated to Ashland itself.

Vendors set up at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center during the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert

✨ More Than a Concert—It’s a Celebration!
 In true small-town style, the concert will be accompanied by:

  • 🍽️ Farm-to-fork food trucks serving local eats

  • 🛍️ Art, craft, and business vendors offering handmade and hometown goods

  • 🎯 Lawn games and family-friendly fun

🚂 Arrive in style by taking Amtrak Virginia to the Ashland station—just steps from the concert—or crack open a cold one from Center of the Universe Brewing Company to toast to Ashland’s musical milestone.

Simultaneously, Ashland will welcome hundreds of Virginia Girl Scouts for Ashland Girl Scout Day, who will be exploring all the wonder the “Center of the Universe” has to offer—including this concert that adds melody to our history and helps share it with the next generation and beyond.

🎶 “We’re always delighted to discover how many people are inspired by Ashland,” says Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for Downtown Ashland Association. “It is our goal to provide a platform for these artists to be heard—not only in the Center of the Universe, but to pull everyone into our orbit. We’re so thankful to Free Jambalaya for bringing professional production to these original songs and sharing them with the world.”

Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert
 📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn – 500 S Center St, Ashland
 🗓️ Saturday, September 27, 2025
 ⏰ 11 AM – Free and open to all!

Ashland Fourth Fridays Grand Finale Promises a Picture-Perfect End to Summer

Crowds shop, picnic, and gather at Ashland Fourth Fridays

Three fabulous Fourth Fridays have brought music, movement, and magic to downtown Ashland—and now it’s time for the fourth and final celebration. On Friday, August 22 from 5 to 8 PM, the community is invited to gather on the lawn of Ashland Town Hall for the Ashland Fourth Fridays Grand Finale. It’s the perfect summer send-off, brimming with neighborly fun, local flavor, and the unmistakable charm of the Center of the Universe.

Ashland Dance Academy performs at Ashland Fourth Fridays

The evening begins with a show of hometown talent on the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage, where Ashland Dance Academy will perform a series of original dance routines. One highlight? A special interpretation of “You Already Know,” the winning anthem from the 2024 Ashland Song Contest, written and performed by the brilliant Ginny Ray. As the dancers step off the stage, the Downtown Ashland Association will take a moment to reveal the grand prize winner of the 2025 Ashland Song Contest. The newest anthem of Ashland might even be performed live for the very first time.

2024 Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray

Music continues to take center stage as Kayla Atanacio, winner of Hanover’s Got Talent, shares her award-winning song with the crowd. Then, beloved local favorites The Generations Trio will return to the stage, filling the summer air with the smooth sounds of classic jazz standards and reimagined pop hits until the sun sets on this final Fourth Friday.

While the stage entertains, more than 30 local artists, food makers, and small businesses will set up around the Town Hall lawn and parking lot. Shoppers will find everything from handcrafted housewares by C.G. Elliot Woodworking to fragrant blooms from Breemar Flower Farm, original canvas art by Richard Harding, and handcrafted soaps from Tierrapy Soaps. These are the kinds of goods that feel good to buy—not just because they’re beautiful, but because every purchase supports a real person in our community.

Local partners are going above and beyond to add comfort and care to the festivities. Cornerstone Church will be handing out cold bottles of water to help everyone beat the heat, and ARC of Hanover will welcome guests into their sensory-friendly tent, filled with calming tools and textures. They’ll also be offering a free thrift table, where families can browse and take home donated treasures at no cost. "The Arc of Hanover and Thrift Store are so pleased to be able to join in the festivities of this last of the 'Fourth Fridays,” says Diane Gallegos, Co-Executive Director/Mission, The Arc of Hanover. “We'll have our Mobile Sensory Tent for guests who may need a break from what can be an overwhelming environment, and we'll also have several rummage bins with items like what you would find at the quarterly Free Community Yard Sale events at our Thrift Store.”

Shaken Not Spurred’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese

As always, Ashland’s food scene is ready to impress. While local farm-to-fork favorites like The Caboose Market & Café, The Iron Horse, Ash & Olive, and The Henry Clay Inn offer unbeatable dinner views of trains rolling through the heart of town, the Downtown Ashland Association is also bringing in crowd-pleasing food trucks to keep everyone fueled right on site. Shaken Not Spurred will serve up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Farmview Creamery will offer their signature cool treats, and Mama Vicky’s Lumpia and Filipino Cuisine will delight with savory BBQ skewers and sweet or savory lumpia made with care and tradition.

Families will want to pop into downtown shops like Take Away, which is staying open late for after-dinner browsing. Over at Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys, little ones can paint Breyer Horses for free and marvel at the detailed model train displays. For those in the mood for a little fright with their fun, RED VEIN Escape is open for immersive games, plus they’re offering their Spirits of Railroad Avenue Haunted History Tour, a guided ghost walk through one of the oldest—and spookiest—corners of Ashland.

Celebrity guest photos at 110 Thompson

And don’t miss the festivities at 110 Thompson Street, home of the now-iconic “Welcome to the Center of the Universe” mural. Just after the Ashland Dance Academy performance, families could find free snacks, face painting, and photos with a special celebrity guest. Past stars have included Glenda the Good Witch, Lelio, and Stitch—so you never know who might make a surprise appearance to help say goodbye to summer.

Although this will be the final Fourth Friday of the year, it’s only the beginning of a bustling calendar of community events. Things kick off again on September 27 with the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, and continue all the way through Ashland Train Day on April 25, 2026. Vendors who want to be part of the magic all year long are encouraged to become Downtown Ashland Association Silver Sponsors—and reserve their spot at events throughout the seasons. Learn more at ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor.

As summer winds down, the community is coming together one last time to celebrate all that makes Ashland shine. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the shopping, or simply to soak up the small-town joy—there’s a place for you at the Ashland Fourth Fridays finale. Find maps, parking, and more at AshlandFourthFridays.com

Ashland Vendor Season is Back

Photo of the massive crowds on Ashland Train Day taken by Rick Kidd

Downtown Ashland Association is proud to announce the return of highly anticipated vendor events, inviting locals and visitors alike to Shop Ashland First, savor regional flavors, and celebrate small businesses — all while enjoying free live entertainment in the Center of the Universe.

With vendor events that welcome more than 40,000 guests in person annually and reach millions of viewers regionally and internationally through TV, radio, print, and online platforms, this year’s lineup is bigger, brighter, and more business-friendly than ever before.

“Whether you're a shopper looking for the perfect handcrafted gift, or a vendor ready to amp up your work, Ashland is the place to be,” said “Coach” Antonio Miller, Executive Director for the Downtown Ashland Association. “Our vendor fairs are a celebration of what makes Ashland unique: small-town charm, big creative energy, and a community that loves to support local.”

From summer nights filled with live music and local eats, to festive holiday markets and Ashland’s world-famous Train Day, there’s truly something for everyone — and a space for every kind of maker, artist, and foodpreneur.

2025–2026 Downtown Ashland Vendor Events:

📅 August 22, 5–8 PM — Ashland Fourth Fridays Finale

Close out summer with live performances, local shopping, food trucks, and family fun at Ashland Town Hall. Highlights include Hanover’s Got Talent winner Layla Atanacio, the Ashland Song Contest grand prize reveal, and interactive entertainment like Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys Breyer horse painting, and model trains or Ashland Haunted History Tours outside of RED VEIN Escape.

Apply to vend

📅 September 27, 11–4 PM — Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert

Celebrate the music of Ashland at a free outdoor concert featuring live recordings by Free Jambalya. Vendors enjoy a one-of-a-kind crowd — and a booth fee of just one bag of Halloween candy!

Apply to vend

📅 October 25, 3–7 PM — Off the Rails Beer Festival

Craft brews, local wines, and even better vibes await at this beloved boozy bash. Arts and crafts vendors and food trucks will set up shop to serve up the perfect pairings.

Apply to vend

📅 November 22, 2–5 PM — Grand IlluminAshland

Kick off Light Up the Tracks with a holiday market, live performances, carolers, and a dazzling community tree lighting. Start your season with sparkle — and shop small while you’re at it.

Apply to vend

📅 December 6, 11–4 PM — England Street “Christmas” Market

In partnership with Thrill of the Hunt, this vintage-inspired market begins in Ashland Town Center, making it the perfect starting point for your local holiday shopping crawl through the Center of the Universe.

Apply to vend

📅 April 26, 10–4 PM — Ashland Train Day

An international draw and family favorite, Ashland Train Day boasts 20,000+ attendees and a marketing reach in the millions. Vendors get front-row exposure at one of the region’s most exciting and well-loved festivals

Apply to vend

💼 Vendors: Secure Your Spot All Season Long

Apply to be considered for any or all upcoming vendor events — or skip the application process entirely and guarantee your space by becoming a Downtown Ashland Association Silver Sponsor.

Silver Sponsors enjoy perks like:

  • Reserved 10x10 space at all vendor events

  • Logo and sponsorship credit across Downtown Ashland Association’s website and promotions

  • Marketing that reaches millions

  • Even a static ad on the Ashland Theatre screen!

“Being a silver sponsor doesn’t just guarantee you a booth — it makes you a part of something bigger,” Miller adds. “You’re helping us make Ashland a thriving hub for creativity, commerce, and connection.”

Ashland Museum wins 2025 "You've Been Noticed Award"

The Ashland Museum at 105 Hanover Avenue in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

Downtown Ashland Association is proud to announce the Ashland Museum as the recipient of the 2025 You’ve Been Noticed Award, recognizing an exceptional contribution to the heart and history of downtown Ashland. This honor spotlights organizations making inspiring investments in their commercial properties and in the vitality of our beloved small town.

Ashland Museum accepts the 2025 You’ve Been Noticed Award during Downtown Ashland Association’s Toast of Downtown.

Presented to the Ashland Museum during Downtown Ashland Association’s annual Toast of Downtown celebration, the award drew cheers from neighbors, business owners, sponsors, and local press. Guests toasted the Museum's achievements with drinks from Caboose Market & Café, Center of the Universe Brewing Company, and signature Shaken Not Spurred cocktails—true to the spirited charm of Ashland.

The idea for an Ashland Museum gathered momentum during the 150th celebration of Ashland in 2008. Formally established as a nonprofit in 2010, the Ashland Museum opened its first exhibits in 2012 at 105 Hanover Ave. and has become a vibrant anchor for history, culture, and community programming. Its collaboration with Downtown Ashland Association began with the placement of the town’s first bronze historic marker at Cross Brothers Grocery in 2012. Since then, the Museum has helped install six additional markers and co-created the Art McKinney Historic Preservation and Stewardship Award to honor those who carry forward Ashland’s architectural legacy.

Untold Stories in Ashland, Virginia

The Museum’s dedication to storytelling has led to impactful partnerships, including Untold Stories, an ongoing series created with the Hanover County Black Heritage Society and Hanover Arts & Activities Center to share honest, interwoven narratives of growing up Black and white in Ashland.

Among their recent projects is the Secretariat Racing Into History monument, now installed downtown. Sculpted by Jocelyn Russell, the statue honors the legendary Triple Crown winner, who was born and raised nearby at The Meadow, the horse farm of Ashland native and Randolph-Macon College alum Christopher Chenery. The Museum was instrumental in the monument’s fundraising efforts and continues to house Secretariat artifacts at 105 Hanover Ave.

The Ashland Museum at 105 Hanover Avenue in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

The Ashland Museum continues to lead with vision, offering walking tours, cemetery tours, history talks, trivia nights, and even a 1926 caboose for hands-on exploration. They’re also helping shape the future of the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park, a dynamic interpretive space telling the story of Ashland’s deep railroad roots and national impact.

“We are very pleased to receive this award from the Downtown Ashland Association,” said Randy Lewis, President of the Ashland Museum Board of Directors. This recognition affirms the mission to collect, preserve, and share Ashland’s unique stories, past and present.

Located in the heart of the “Center of the Universe,” the Ashland Museum invites residents and visitors alike to step into the stories that shaped our town—and to support their mission through individual and business memberships. For more information, visit ashlandmuseum.org.

On The Fly Events Brings Big Smiles to Back-to-School Season

On The Fly Events in historic downtown Ashland.

As school doors swing open and students gather for a brand-new academic year, On The Fly Events is rolling in with a mission: to make back-to-school season more joyful than ever before. Through their state-of-the-art Game Truck parties and interactive inflatable experiences, On The Fly Events is redefining what it means to bring a school community together — one game, one smile, and one bounce at a time.

From elementary school field days to middle and high school community fun days, On The Fly Events has already made a splash across the region, working with school systems in Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, Westmoreland, King William, King and Queen, and Caroline counties to create vibrant, kid-focused entertainment experiences. Whether it's a back-to-school fundraiser, a school carnival, or a just-because celebration, their mobile entertainment options turn everyday school events into lifelong memories. One enthusiastic student summed it up best, “This is the best day ever!”

A Game-Changer for School and Community Events

On The Fly Events climate-controlled mobile Game Truck

At the heart of On The Fly Events is their climate-controlled mobile Game Truck, delivering video game truck rentals near you with all the bells and whistles. Featuring six HD televisions, immersive LED lighting, thumping music, and the latest gaming consoles — including PlayStation 5s, Xbox Series Xs, and Nintendo Switches — this video game theater on wheels offers unlimited play access and hours of pure fun.

And thanks to their expert Game Coaches, event organizers don’t have to lift a finger. “We manage the entire experience so hosts can actually enjoy their event,” said a team On The Fly Events. “It’s play without the stress — and fun that meets you wherever you are.”

Building Futures Through Play

Whether kids are racing through a 70-foot inflatable obstacle course or cheering on friends in a game of Mario Kart, On The Fly Events believes in the power of play to build connections and confidence. “Play is the universal language,” said the team. “And when kids are laughing, connecting, and challenging themselves, they’re learning in the most joyful way possible.”

The company’s modular obstacle course can be rented in sections or as one epic stretch of excitement — perfect for schools, festivals, or neighborhood community fun days.

On The Fly Events Joins Downtown Ashland Association as Gold Sponsor

This fall, On The Fly Events is leveling up again — this time as a Gold Sponsor of Downtown Ashland Association (DAA). Locals can catch them in action at two of the town’s biggest events:

“Downtown Ashland Association is so grateful to call On The Fly Events a gold sponsor,” said DAA Executive Director "Coach" Antonio Miller. “Now we can ensure there’s engaging, family-friendly entertainment at our cherished community events. Whether they inflate it or bring their own Game Truck, we know we’re going to have a great time with our neighbors — and with On The Fly Events.”

The Future is Bright — and On The Fly

With a growing reputation and a proven track record of making kids (and parents) say “wow,” On The Fly Events is quickly becoming a go-to partner for anyone planning back-to-school events and community fun days. Because at the end of the day, it’s more than just games. It’s about building futures through play — and growing On The Fly.