Ashland Train Day through the lens of Aidan Brown
Each spring, the sound of train whistles echoing through downtown Ashland signals more than passing railcars — it signals connection, celebration, and community pride. Ashland Train Day, now in its 22nd year, has become one of Virginia’s most beloved rail‑centric events, drawing rail enthusiasts, families, and visitors from around the world to the heart of the Center of the Universe.
On Saturday, April 25, from 10 AM – 4 PM, historic downtown Ashland will once again transform into a vibrant festival space where rail history, local businesses, and community spirit converge. More than 20,000 people are expected to arrive by plane, train, shuttle, bicycle, and on foot, while millions more tune in globally through livestreams, social media, print coverage, and radio storytelling.
What makes Ashland Train Day extraordinary is not just the trains — it is the remarkable collaboration behind the scenes. Sponsors, in‑kind partners, vendors, volunteers, artists, and neighbors all play a role in creating an experience that is welcoming, inclusive, and unforgettable.
A Rail Town Like No Other 🚆🌍
Enter our raffle for your chance to win TWO Amtrak tickets to anywhere along the East Coast! Whether you're dreaming of a scenic getaway, a city escape, or a coastal retreat, crack open a can of Center of the Universe Brewski and climb on board! Your ticket to ride is just a lucky draw away.
🎟 Your golden ticket includes:
🚆 Two Amtrak tickets valid for any East Coast destination
🍻 $25 Center of the Universe Brewing Company Gift Card
🧢 5 Brewski Hats
📅 Redeemable for up to one year from the issue date
⚠️ Some blackout dates apply (mostly federal holidays)
Don’t miss your chance to embark on the journey of a lifetime—grab your raffle tickets now before this opportunity leaves the station! 🚉💨
Raffle proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.
The winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on Friday, April 24.
Downtown Ashland holds a rare distinction as one of the few towns in America where an active Amtrak station, operating since the 1920s, runs directly through the center of town. Powerful Amtrak and CSX trains roll past sidewalk cafés, railside dining, and locally owned boutiques filled with toys, antiques, equestrian goods, art, and gifts. For railfans unable to attend in person, the beloved Virtual Railcam offers a front‑row seat from anywhere in the world.
Ashland Train Day elevates this everyday magic into a once‑a‑year celebration that highlights not only rail history, but also the businesses, organizations, and people who make Ashland special year‑round. Through the Downtown Ashland Association’s expansive media reach — spanning digital platforms, print features, and radio partnerships like K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes — the event shines a spotlight on the community far beyond town limits.
Amtrak Virginia Helps Set the Pace 🚉💙
As a presenting sponsor, Amtrak Virginia plays a central role in Ashland Train Day, reinforcing the importance of rail travel to the event’s identity. In celebration, Amtrak Virginia is raffling off two round‑trip tickets anywhere along the East Coast, delighting attendees and underscoring the ease of arriving by train.
For many visitors, Amtrak is the preferred way to experience Train Day. Riders enjoy parking‑free travel straight into downtown Ashland, scenic views along the route, and a warm welcome as railfans wave them into the historic station. The Ashland stop is part of Amtrak Virginia’s Northeast Regional Route, connecting the town to destinations including Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
Amtrak Virginia further supports accessibility by promoting traveler‑friendly fare programs, including the Virginia Anytime Fare with 15 percent savings, a student discount offering 15 percent off with valid identification, a child discount allowing one child ages two to twelve to ride for half price with each paying adult, and Share Fares, which provide group discounts of up to 60 percent for parties of eight or more.
Community Partners Bring the Experience to Life 🤝🎉
🚂 All aboard the refreshment express! 🥤
Wild Bill’s Soda is rollin’ into town for Ashland Train Day on April 25 with craft sodas made for slow sippin’ and fast refillin’! 💨💛
We’re rafflin’ TWO legendary Wild Bill mugs—and the lucky winners get FREE refills all Train Day long! 🍒🍋🍉
That’s one refreshin’ ride you don’t wanna miss.
🎟️ Enter now for $5
Then giddy up to the food court and sip like a soda sheriff. 🤠🥤
Raffle proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.
The winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on Friday, April 24.
Ashland Train Day comes to life through generous in‑kind contributions that support everything from volunteer care to entertainment and accessibility. Chick‑fil‑A ensures volunteers start the day energized by providing a complimentary breakfast buffet inside the Dominion Energy Innovation Center.
Families are invited to explore the lively Kids Zone inside the Ashland Branch Library, sponsored by New Community Church. The space features a looping kiddie train and an inflatable obstacle course and bounce house made possible through the enthusiastic in‑kind support of On The Fly Events VA, known for delivering engaging, high‑quality event experiences across the region.
Music fills the air thanks to Center Street Sound Co, which donates DJ services throughout the day inside the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. Just outside, Free Jambalaya hosts a free live sidewalk concert near its Slipped Disc studio beside the Ashland Theatre, adding rhythm and energy to the streets of downtown.
Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of the event, with the Autism Society of Central Virginia offering a sensory‑friendly, quiet space overlooking the trains for guests seeking a calmer environment. Adding a dash of fun and fundraising, Wild Bill’s Soda is raffling off two custom Ashland Train Day mugs — complete with free refills all day — with proceeds supporting the Downtown Ashland Association and helping keep Train Day free for everyone.
Vendors, Sponsors, and Neighbors Power the Day 🛍️🚂
Downtown Ashland’s intimate, walkable layout makes vendor participation especially impactful. Vendors enjoy meaningful visibility, curated placement throughout town, and the opportunity to connect directly with thousands of engaged attendees. Participation also opens the door to future Downtown Ashland Association events and ongoing promotional support.
Sponsorship opportunities further amplify community involvement. Silver Sponsors, including organizations such as Giving Hope Lawn Management and Macaroni Kid, receive enhanced visibility, including advertising on the Ashland Theatre’s iconic silver screen. Vendors interested in participating specifically in Ashland Train Day may apply through AshlandTrainDay.com, where invited vendors select preferred locations and pricing tiers ranging from $50 to $500 based on placement.
A Celebration Made Possible by Community 🚦✨
Ashland Train Day stands as a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together. From sponsors and in‑kind contributors to vendors, volunteers, musicians, nonprofits, and neighbors, each participant helps create an event that honors rail history while celebrating the present‑day spirit of Ashland.
As trains continue to roll through the Center of the Universe, Ashland Train Day remains a joyful reminder that collaboration, creativity, and community pride are what truly keep the town — and the event — moving forward.
More information about Ashland Train Day, including vendor and sponsorship opportunities, is available at AshlandTrainDay.com
Become a sponsor for Downtown Ashland Association’s signature event - Ashland Train Day! Reach over a million viewers and 20K people in person when you become a donor to our railroad extravaganza!
Conductor Sponsors increase impact with a $500 donation, securing a dedicated social media post and a month of ads on the iconic Ashland Theatre big screen.
Become a sponsor for Downtown Ashland Association’s signature event - Ashland Train Day! Reach over a million viewers and 20K people in person when you become a donor to our railroad extravaganza!
For our esteemed $1,000 donors, enjoy a comprehensive package including media promotion reaching 1.5M, a featured blog article on the Downtown Ashland Association website, recognition in our highly anticipated Get Centered Newsletter reaching over 4K readers, and a branded photography package capturing the essence of your support.
Become a sponsor for Ashland’s signiture event - Ashland Train Day! Reach over a million viewers and 20K people in person when you become a donor to our railroad extravaganza!
For a $5,000 donation, Stationmaster Sponsors receive a dedicated Facebook and Instagram post highlighting your business or charity, reaching an audience of over 20K engaged viewers.
