Downtown Ashland Launches “The Great Raccoon Hunt” After ABC Bandit Goes Viral

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

Ashland Cookbook Collection Pre-Order Extended!

Vintage cookbooks from Ashland, Virginia

Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended the pre-order deadline for the Ashland Cookbook Collection to Saturday, December 13! After Thanksgiving, neighbors, foodies, and history lovers alike realized these treasured recipes were disappearing from our shelves and tables. Now, cooks, bakers, and historians have extra time to bring this piece of Ashland history into their kitchens.

Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection
Sold out
Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection
$30.00

This holiday season, delight in 100 cherished recipes spanning the 1950s through the 2020s, lovingly compiled and printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland. From vintage church and community cookbooks to modern contributions from local neighbors, the Ashland Cookbook Collection is more than a cookbook—it’s a love letter to the Center of the Universe.

Ordering the Ashland Cookbook Collection before Saturday, December 13 is not only a way to preserve Ashland’s delicious history, it’s an investment in a rich future. Minuteman Press of Ashland is donating 20% of proceeds to the Downtown Ashland Association, which will share the funds with ARC of Hanover and St. James the Less Episcopal Church—continuing the original fundraising spirit of the vintage cookbooks compiled by church members and the Ashland Junior Woman’s Club.

Inside, you’ll discover vintage recipes ranging from savory dips and refreshing beverages to desserts that taste just like Grandma made them—because she probably was in Ashland decades before you were!

Contemporary recipes shine just as brightly, submitted by beloved local favorites like Suzanne Wolstenholme of Homemades by Suzanne and Ann Martin from the Ashland Museum. Many include mouthwatering notes like:

“A simple, flavorful roast with a sweet-and-smoky glaze that’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.”

But remember—there are only 50 books being printed! Get as many as you can while you can and secure your piece of Ashland history for your holiday table.

💛 Pre-Order Today!
Copies are $30 each. Pre-orders on LightUpTheTracks.com close Saturday, December 13—don’t miss your chance to bring home this treasured collection!

💻 Prefer digital? Make a $1 donation at LightUpTheTracks.com to the Downtown Ashland Association and receive a digital copy via email.

✨ Give the gift of Ashland history, flavor, and community this holiday season—before it’s too late!

Ashland Town Tree Lights Up Glen Allen

📍 Illumination Festival of Trees | ⏰ Now through January 4
🚂 Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060

Stepping into the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen during the Illumination Festival of Trees is like entering a glittering wonderland. Hallways glow with the warm reflection of countless ornaments, each tree a curated world of creativity and holiday spirit. Among them, the Ashland Town Tree quietly commands attention—not through grandeur alone, but through the remarkable generosity and artistry that brought it to life.

Ashland Town Tree at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen

This tree is a gift from Downtown Ashland Association’s in-kind sponsors, decorated on behalf of the neighbors who live and create in the Center of the Universe. Each ornament tells a story, and each story reflects a labor of love. Hand-painted oyster shells from Elizabeth Poole Art shimmer with delicate craftsmanship. Portraits of senior ambassadors, transformed into ornaments by Kristie Bradley Photography, capture the dignity, pride, and individuality of Ashland’s residents. Even covers of Neighbors of Ashland Magazine become ornaments, celebrating the people who make our town feel alive.

Neighbors of Ashland Magazine ornament featuring Mayor Steve Trivett

The tree sparkles with a spirit of local enterprise and artistic flair: a glittering horse from Changing Reins nods to Ashland’s equestrian heritage, while a steampunk-inspired ornament from A Masque Darkly sparks curiosity and delight. Slipped Disc Studios contributes a piece from their own family collection, a miniature home that reflects the creative heart of the Center of the Universe. And for those captivated by movement, sound, and precision, Tiny Tims Trains & Toys offers intricate model train-inspired ornaments, celebrating both hands-on learning and the playful magic of the season. Sparkling ornaments from Cece Cox Wolfe add the perfect finishing touch, bringing light and texture that make the tree feel alive.

Walking among the trees in the Center, it’s impossible not to notice the thought, talent, and care poured into each piece. The Ashland Town Tree is a celebration of community generosity and creativity, a living gallery where every ornament has its own story and every story enriches the whole. It’s an invitation to look closer, appreciate the artistry, and wander through a holiday world where Ashland truly shines.

Minuteman Press of Ashland Wraps the Community in Warmth—and Support

Randolph Macon College student Katie McGhinnis models Minuteman Press of Ashland Light Up the Tracks apparel

This holiday season, Minuteman Press of Ashland is giving back in the coziest way possible. They’ve launched a brand-new collection of snuggly sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, and cozy cocoa mugs featuring an exclusive Light Up the Tracks woven ugly-sweater design—and 20% of every purchase goes directly to Downtown Ashland Association.

The festive design celebrates everything that makes Ashland shine: sweet hearts for our Valentine Town spirit and, of course, the beloved railroad tracks that make our historic main street iconic. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, strolling under the holiday lights, or wrapping gifts at home, these pieces let you bundle up in hometown pride.

Minuteman Press of Ashland’s mobile T-shirt truck at downtown Ashland’s Grand Illumination

Purchasing Light Up the Tracks apparel isn’t just a stylish seasonal choice—it’s a meaningful way to fuel community impact. Donations to Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) help power media, marketing, and mentorship opportunities crafted especially for the Center of the Universe, extending Ashland’s reach far beyond our orbit.

Downtown Ashland Association puts every donated dollar to work by investing directly back into the community we love. As a nonprofit, DAA provides free First Wednesday business workshops and resources at the Ashland Branch Library, awards $35,000 in prizes through the Center Street Pitch Competition to help local entrepreneurs grow, and creates high-quality marketing and media for downtown businesses, sponsors, and supporters that reach millions each month. The award-winning non-profit proudly produces free, family-friendly events like Light Up the Tracks and Ashland Train Day—celebrations that strengthen our small businesses, bring neighbors together, and keep the Center of the Universe shining bright. Every Downtown Ashland Association apparel purchase from Minuteman Press of Ashland helps fuel this work and ensures Ashland continues to thrive.

Minuteman Press of Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks design

And Minuteman Press is just getting started. Their online store also features more downtown-inspired designs, including K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes, the Songs from the Center of the Universe band tee, and classic Ashland Train favorites. Every apparel purchase—no matter the design—gives 20% back to Downtown Ashland Association.

So go ahead: wrap yourself in community support this season. Order your Light Up the Tracks apparel before the holidays are fully wrapped up, and wear your Ashland pride by the hearth, down the tracks, and everywhere in between.

Shop Here

Giving Tuesday for $30 or Less

Downtown Ashland Association in the Kiwanis Club of Ashland’s Olde Time Holiday Parade

Giving Tuesday is all about supporting the people and places that make our community feel like home — and in downtown Ashland, there are more ways than ever to make a meaningful impact without breaking the bank. Whether you want to support families in need, uplift our small businesses, or help fuel the magic of our award-winning Main Street, here are simple, joyful ways to give for $30 and under.

Give for Free: Food Donations That Warm the Season

Non-perishable food donation boxes are now available at:

  • Miss Timmie’s (117 Hanover Ave.)

  • Take Away (107A Hanover Ave.)

  • Chirp (403 S. Center St.)

  • Center of the Yarniverse (112 England St.)

  • Root Modern Dentistry (250 N. Washington Hwy., Suite A)

Each location features a bright “Food Donations” sign designed by AnnMarie & Company, making it easy to spot where your generosity can land.

Donations may also be delivered anytime to the free food pantries outside Local Christian Church and Café 54 Brunch and Lunch in the heart of historic Downtown Ashland.

For our Hanover neighbors, a full list of county food pantries can be found at:
HanoverCounty.gov/1237/Hanover-County-Food-Pantries

Give by Engagement: Help @AshlandVirginia Reach 10K

One of the most impactful no-cost ways to support downtown Ashland is simply showing love online.

Help us reach 10,000 Instagram followers by 2026 by following, liking, sharing, saving, and engaging with @AshlandVirginia. Every tap helps amplify our local businesses, artists, and events — and strengthens the very fundraising efforts that make Ashland shine.

Follow along at:
https://www.instagram.com/ashlandvirginia/

With fewer than 3,000 followers to go, every action makes a difference — at absolutely no cost to the people who call this special town home.

Give With Holiday Cheer: Light Up the Tracks Apparel

Raffle - Light Up the Tracks Apparel Raffle - Light Up the Tracks Apparel
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Raffle - Light Up the Tracks Apparel
$5.00

Looking for a festive gift that gives back? Minuteman Press of Ashland has created the cutest ugly sweaters in honor of Light Up the Tracks — complete with a woven texture of tracks and hearts for our beloved valentine town.

Choose from long-sleeved tees, sweatshirts, or even a cozy mug.
20% of proceeds go directly to the Downtown Ashland Association’s nonprofit mission.

Shop now at: LightUpTheTracks.com

And for just $5, you can enter to win a large Light Up the Tracks sweatshirt through our seasonal raffle:
LightUpTheTracks.com

Give Through Community Legacy: Pre-Order the Ashland Cookbook Collection

Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection
Sold out
Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection
$30.00

The Ashland Cookbook Collection is more than a gathering of recipes — it’s a shared history of community, care, and culinary creativity.

This collection honors:

  • On the Tracks (1958) — Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

  • The Ashland Book of Cooking (1961–1963)

  • Blessings and Dressings (1996) — St. James the Less Episcopal Church

Plus, it includes modern-day recipes from Ashland neighbors, all beautifully compiled and printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland for the Downtown Ashland Association.

20% of proceeds support DAA’s mission and will be shared with ARC of Hanover and St. James the Less Episcopal Church, honoring the original fundraising intentions behind the historic cookbooks.

Only 50 copies will be sold, and pre-orders close Monday, December 13.

Get your digital copy for just $1 at:
LightUpTheTracks.com

Give Through Sponsorship: Support Local Business

Want to help your business reach millions without spending millions?
The Downtown Ashland Association offers business sponsorship tiers starting at just $50 — making it possible for small businesses to appear across in-person events, TV, radio, print, and digital media seen around the world.

Learn more at:
https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor

Give Directly: Support the Heart of the Center of the Universe

You can make a donation of any amount, anytime to support Downtown Ashland’s year-round mission at:
https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/giving

The Downtown Ashland Association is an award-winning, accredited Main Street America nonprofit — recognized as one of the top main streets in the country. With a team of two and an army of volunteers, DAA provides free family-friendly events, business workshops, pop-ups, and community reinvestment. In 2025 alone, DAA gave over $40,000 directly back to the community.

Your generosity keeps the Center of the Universe shining bright.