Happy Hour Vibes Just Got Extra Crispy 🍗✨

Randolph Macon students at Chick-fil-A Ashland

Happy Hour Vibes is getting a delicious upgrade. Chick-fil-A Ashland has officially joined the popular networking and radio experience as its food sponsor, bringing fresh chicken nuggets to the party every final Friday of the month at the K101.2 POP Richmond studios.

At 6 PM, Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party guests are treated to more than meaningful connections and on-air exposure. Alongside Shaken Not Spurred’s stunning custom mocktails, attendees can now enjoy mounds of Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, courtesy of the Center of the Universe favorite.

Chick-fil-A Ashland serving fresh chicken

Supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and change makers is just one of the many ways Chick-fil-A Ashland continues to invest in the Ashland community. Over exam season, the restaurant opened its doors to Randolph-Macon College students for late-night study hours from 9–10 PM, offering extra charging ports, free caffeine, and even a dedicated Spotify jam. Their involvement with Happy Hour Vibes continues that same spirit of encouragement and connection.

As Chick-fil-A Ashland prepares for its beloved annual Spring Cow Drop, the team is also encouraging locals to secure tickets to an experience many describe as the most fun they’ve ever had talking about their work. Rather than a traditional interview, the Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party blends playful conversation with professional exposure.

Downtown Ashland Association’s Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller

The experience is led by the Happy Hour Vibes crew, including Barry Farmer of the Barry Farmer Morning Show, Karrie Brooks of Shaken Not Spurred, Chef Gianna of Chef Gianna Does It All, and the Downtown Ashland Association. Guests are guided through lighthearted games, laughter-filled conversations, and mocktail mixing that helps them share their stories with ease and authenticity.

POWER UP Productions is on site capturing high-quality content guests can immediately use across their own digital platforms. In addition, every ticket guarantees exposure to 3.1 million listeners on K101.2 POP Richmond, making it one of the most accessible—and enjoyable—media opportunities available.

Listeners at home are also part of the experience. Each episode features Shaken Not Spurred’s custom mocktail creations and Chef Gianna’s Virginia ingredient of the month, inviting audiences to sip and munch along with the festivities.

Audiences can tune in to Happy Hour Vibes every Thirsty Thursday at Happy Hour—6 PM on K101.2 POP Richmond, or listen anytime by simply tapping the footer on AshlandVirginia.com.

For those hungry for chicken, mocktails, laughter, and big exposure, tickets for the Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party are available now at
AshlandVirginia.com/happyhourvibes.

Ashland’s ABC Raccoon Bandit Becomes the Holiday Hero Nobody Saw Coming

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:

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.

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
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Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection
$30.00

The Ashland Cookbook Collection is a lovingly curated compilation of 100 local recipes spanning the 1950s through the 2020s. Printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland just in time for festive gatherings, this collection is perfect for inspiring Thanksgiving feasts or holiday celebrations with family and friends.

Copies of the Ashland Cookbook Collection are $30 each. Pre-orders end on Monday, December 15, and only 50 copies will be sold! Reserve your copy now!

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.