Buzz Bucks: Connecting Campus and Community

Image by Randolph-Macon College from move-in day 2024
Press release provided by the Town of Ashland

The Town of Ashland is excited to announce the launch of Buzz Bucks, a year-round discount program designed in collaboration with Randolph-Macon College to connect the RMC community with the best deals at Ashland's restaurants, shops, and service providers.

Through Buzz Bucks, RMC students, faculty, and staff have a single, convenient source for exclusive local offers. By showing an RMC ID at participating businesses, members of the college community can enjoy savings throughout the year—encouraging them to explore downtown, discover new favorites, and support the businesses that define Ashland’s character.

Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland

“Ashland takes pride in being a college town,” said Mayor Steve Trivett. “Buzz Bucks is a year-round welcome mat for Yellow Jackets, and an invitation to be part of our community’s daily life.”

Participating businesses display a Buzz Bucks window cling, making them easy to identify. Discounts are set by each business and may change throughout the year, creating fresh reasons for the RMC community to return.

“Living and working in the Town of Ashland is even better because of its local businesses,” said Beth Campbell, Vice President of Marketing at Randolph-Macon College.  “We’re grateful that this program will help make it easier for students, faculty, and staff to find—and keep supporting—these wonderful places to eat, shop, and get services just steps from campus.”

“This program is all about connection,” said Kelly Franke, Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Town of Ashland. “We want students to feel at home in Ashland, and we want our businesses to benefit from the energy, curiosity, and loyalty the Yellow Jacket community brings year-round.”

About Buzz Bucks:

• Who: RMC students, faculty, and staff

• What: Show an RMC ID at participating businesses to receive discounts

• Where: Look for “Buzz Bucks” window clings on storefronts

• Find Deals: visitashlandva.com/buzzzbucks

Whether it’s the start of the academic year or the middle of summer break, Buzz Bucks provides the RMC community with a year-round passport to local flavor, friendly faces, and a vibrant college-town atmosphere.

Happy Hour Vibes Brings Networking Parties to the Mic

First episode of Happy Hour Vibes with Take Away LLC, Hawaii Fluid Art, Healing Circle Counseling and Services, and Samantha Campbell Imagery

What do jalapeño grilled cheese sandwiches, local entrepreneurs, and mocktail-fueled networking games have in common? They all made a splash at the inaugural Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party, hosted by K101.2 POP Richmond in Farmer Company Media Studios on the final Monday of July.

Take Away LLC on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes

Business owners and creative minds from across the region—including Take Away LLC, Hawaii Fluid Art, Healing Circle Counseling and Services, and Samantha Campbell Imagery—came together to sip, connect, and speak their brand into existence on-air. Fueled by Shaken Not Spurred’s mocktail of the month (July’s smooth Velvet Lasso) and gourmet grilled cheeses (The Trailblazer, anyone?), guests warmed up with networking games that got both brains and belly laughs going.

But these weren’t your typical networking games. Co-hosts Barry Farmer of the Farmer Company, Louise Keeton of Downtown Ashland Association, Karie Brooks of Shaken Not Spurred, and Chef Gianna Stanley of Gianna Does it All transformed the studio into a playground of entrepreneurial fun—where every guest had to deliver a 30-second business pitch on the mic... or face a “penalty.” Couldn’t beat the clock? You had to shout out another local business, give someone a compliment, or plug a community event that wasn’t your own. (Let’s just say, Downtown Ashland’s Fourth Fridays and Light Up the Tracks got a lot of love.)

Hawaii Fluid Art on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes

Some guests took creative license with their pitch, including a memorable Katherine Hepburn impression that left the whole studio howling. Others, like Healing Circle Counseling, impressed with holistic, award-winning therapy services for all ages. Samantha Campbell Imagery shared how she captures true-to-life emotions with nostalgic warmth, while Take Away LLC gave a peek into Ashland’s new go-to shop for gifts under $20. Hawaii Fluid Art brought a splash of color from their Regency Mall studio where anyone—no matter the experience level—can try their hand at fluid painting. Even host Barry Farmer got in on the Hawaii Fluid Art fun and showed off his beautiful work at the recording desk.

🎥 Behind the lens, POWER UP Productions captured every candid laugh and powerful pitch. CEO Amy Garelick attends every Happy Hour Vibes event to document the magic with professional photo and video content. Thanks to her work, episodes can be released as a podcast, shared across digital platforms, and preserved in stunning imagery for guests and fans to relive and market the experience again and again.

Shaken Not Spurred’s mocktail the Velvet Lasso on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes

Listeners at home didn’t miss out either. Shaken Not Spurred guided folks through mixing their own mocktail so they could sip along and play from their own kitchen, living room, or commute. And when it came time for Sip or Serve—a cheeky take on Truth or Dare—stories flew. From rage yoga to photo shoots in wild weather, the authenticity and energy were contagious.

🎧 Want in on the action? Tune in every Thirsty Thursday to Happy Hour Vibes on K101.2 POP Richmond, streaming live at
👉 farmercompanymedia.com/k1012pop

💼 Even better—be our next guest! Join the Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party at Farmer Company Media Studios, held the final Monday of every month. Meet fellow entrepreneurs, network creatively, and record content that could reach 1.3 million listeners—without lifting a finger beyond your cocktail glass.

🎟️ Next party: Monday, August 26. Ticket deadline: August 22.
Book your spot or secure a 30-second ad read by the Happy Hour crew at:
👉 ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor

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.”

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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.”