Swing for Safety

Harvey & Driggs attorneys competing in the Hanover County Bar Association’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars and grab your clubs, because one of Hanover County's most beloved charitable traditions is back for its fifth year. The Hanover County Bar Association (HCBA) is proud to host its 5th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Hunting Hawk Golf Club in Ashland, Virginia, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Hanover Safe Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

This is more than a day on the links. It is a full community celebration that brings together neighbors, colleagues, and friends for a morning of friendly competition and an afternoon of gratitude. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:00 AM, followed by a 9:30 AM shotgun start in a four-person scramble format. The day wraps up at 2:30 PM with lunch, an awards ceremony, and a raffle — all in the spirit of giving back to people who need it most.

Members of the association last month to accept a check for over $10,000 in 2023 thanks to the Hanover County Bar Association and all the annual Golf Tournament sponsors.

For a $500 team registration fee, each four-person squad receives 18 holes with a cart, refreshments throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, a welcome bag full of goodies, and the chance to compete in special event holes including Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin contests. That is a full day of fun with every dollar going directly to a cause that changes — and in some cases saves — lives right here in Hanover County.

John Working of the Hanover County Bar Association explains why this event holds such a special place in the organization's heart. "The HBA recognizes that Hanover Safe Place is an important community partner which serves a vulnerable population during extremely difficult circumstances," he said. "This golf tournament promotes both of our core goals as an association — serving the community and fostering relationships among our members. We are committed to supporting those who give back to our community by serving others."

The impact of those dollars is not abstract. Stacie Francis, Director of Development and Communications at Hanover Safe Place, has watched those funds go to work in some of the most urgent, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful moments imaginable. "Over the last two years, we have had three victims needing emergency transportation out of the state for safety reasons," Francis shared. "While this is a very rare need, when it occurs, it is emergency and immediate. Funds from events like the HBA Golf Tournament allow us to aid those victims in purchasing tickets to safety, arrange transportation to and from bus stations or airports, and provide essentials for travel."

Those are not statistics. Those are real neighbors, real families, and real moments of escape made possible because the Hanover community showed up. "Funds from our community allow us to help victims in ways that are typically difficult and restricted by other funding sources," Francis added. "We are very grateful to the Hanover County Bar Association for their support of our work, and we are so looking forward to this year's event."

Attorneys Ryan E. Wind and Kevin T. Hadden at the Hanover Bar Association Golf Tournament

Not a golfer? No problem. There are plenty of ways to be part of this day. Individuals and businesses can donate raffle items — think gift certificates, unique experiences, travel, or personal services — that will be auctioned off at the closing ceremony, with every dollar raised going straight to Hanover Safe Place. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at multiple levels, starting at just $150 for a hole sponsorship with signage on a tee box, all the way up to a $2,500 Event Sponsorship that includes a team registration, hole signage, and prominent placement at registration and the reception. Food, beverage, cart, and scorecard sponsorships round out a menu of options that make it easy for any business or individual to find a meaningful way to contribute.

Hanover Safe Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 31-1415701), meaning sponsorships and donations may be tax-deductible. To register a team, secure a sponsorship, or ask any questions, interested participants can visit the registration link at https://tinyurl.com/HanGolf26, or send a check made out to Hanover Safe Place to: Hanover Safe Place – Golf Tournament, 629A North Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005. For sponsorship inquiries and logo submissions, reach out directly at HanoverCountyBar@gmail.com.

There is a saying that golf is a good walk spoiled — but on June 19th at Hunting Hawk, it just might be the best walk you take all year, knowing every step supports someone finding their way to safety.

Heart of Hanover Reveals Top 10 Finalists in Each Contest Category

The Heart of Hanover Business Awards Contest continues to showcase the incredible strength, diversity, and innovation of our local business community. After an enthusiastic nomination period, we’re excited to announce the Top 10* nominated businesses in each of our seven award categories. These outstanding organizations represent the very best of Hanover’s entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment.

This year’s response was nothing short of inspiring. Hundreds of businesses were nominated, reflecting the depth and vibrancy of our local economy. Even more impressive, the contest generated thousands of nomination votes, highlighting just how strongly our community supports and celebrates its local businesses. Every nomination tells a story of great service, dedication, and impact—and we’re proud to help share those stories.

What’s Next: Community Voting Begins May 4

Now it’s time for the community to help decide the winners. Voting among the top 10 finalists in each category will open on May 4, 2026, and run through May 17 at 11:59 p.m.  During this period, residents, customers, and supporters are encouraged to cast their votes and show their support for their favorite businesses.

At the conclusion of voting, the top three businesses receiving the most votes in each category will earn a special invitation to attend the Heart of Hanover Business Awards Luncheon on June 2nd. This celebratory event, held at the Richmond Times-Dispatch Building in Mechanicsville, will bring together business leaders, community members, and supporters for an afternoon of recognition and connection, and will culminate with the official announcement of this year’s award winners.

Recognizing Our Finalists

The Top 10* finalists in each category reflect a wide range of industries—from retail and dining to professional services, health and wellness, and beyond. While only one business from each category will ultimately take home top honors, each finalist has already demonstrated exceptional achievement and earned the admiration of the community. 

Destination Business of the Year

  • Ashland Theatre

  • Freckled Flower Farm

  • Green Top Sporting Goods

  • Hanover Tavern

  • Hanover Vegetable Farm

  • Intermission Beer Company - Arcade & Brewpub

  • James River Winery

  • Kings Dominion

  • Plum Pickings

  • The Henry Clay Inn

Health & Wellness Business of the Year

  • Ashland Dance Academy

  • Burn Boot Camp Atlee

  • Dr. David A. Haine, O.D.

  • Healthlink

  • Impact Wellness Solutions

  • Pulse Barre

  • Renovaré Medical Aesthetics and Wellness

  • Revival Spa

  • Root Modern Dentistry

  • Train Strong Fit


Manufacturer of the Year

  • 580 Pottery

  • Center of the Universe Brewing Company

  • Closet Factory

  • Commonwealth Railings & Rails -Hanover Richmond 

  • Doggone Good Treats LLC

  • Hanover Foils, LLC.

  • REA-Hanover Manufacturing Plant

  • Richmond Steel

  • SON Metal Fab

  • TSI Promotionals

  • Virginia Artesian Bottling Co.

Nonprofit Organization of the Year

  • Alix’s Foster Kitten Rescue

  • Divine Assist Youth Organization

  • Empowering Neighbors, Inc.

  • Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity

  • Hanover Humane Society

  • Historic Polegreen Church Foundation

  • Moments Of Hope Outreach

  • Sawyer’s Warriors

  • The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store

  • The Lucky Paw Foundation

  • Wings of Hope Ranch

Restaurant of the Year

  • Around The Table

  • Brunetti Express 301

  • Il Forno Bar and Grill

  • Industrial Taphouse

  • Iron Horse Restaurant

  • Red Rooster Country Store

  • Rise and Shine Diner

  • Sam's Hot Dog Stand

  • The Caboose Market & Cafe

  • Third Base Grill

Retail Business of the Year

  • Captain Greg's Seafood

  • Center of the Yarniverse

  • Crimson and Clover Thrift

  • Day Three Bath & spa

  • For Posh Sake

  • Hanover Tool

  • Haven House Florals

  • Red Poppy Pickin’

  • ReMix Market RVA

  • The Marketplace Antiques, Vintage, Home Decor

  • Through the Garden Gate/The Marketplace

Service Business of the Year

  • Blazer Heating, Air, & Plumbing

  • Dominion Lock & Security

  • Glen Allen Transmission & Complete Auto Care

  • Harris Automotive Service

  • Nikki's Grooming

  • PawsCienda Pet Resort

  • Primerica - Mary Ashby

  • Rick's Tire and Auto

  • Staceys Custom Vacations and Travel

  • Wells Fargo Advisors-Ashland

*Note: Several categories have 11 businesses listed due to tie in nominations for 10th place.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to uplifting local businesses and fostering community growth plays a vital role in the success of the Heart of Hanover Business Awards. We extend our sincere gratitude for their partnership and dedication to celebrating excellence across Hanover.

Title Sponsor: Hanover County Economic Development Authority

Heartbeat Sponsor: Ashland Economic Development

Pulse Sponsors: Southern Bank, Virginia Natural Gas, and Downtown Ashland Association

 

Be sure to mark your calendar, cast your vote, and join us in recognizing the businesses that make Hanover such a special place to live, work, and shop.

Visit the Heart of Hanover Contest.

Rewriting the Rules of Business Networking

Most networking events ask you to smile through small talk, collect business cards you'll never use, and hope something sticks. Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Parties ask something entirely different: that you show up, have a genuinely great time, and let the microphone do the heavy lifting.

Hosted monthly in the beautiful studio space of K101.2 POP Richmond, Happy Hour Vibes is part networking event, part radio recording session, and part party — and it is unlike anything else in the region's business community calendar. Tickets and full details are available now at AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes.

The Only Networking Event That Advertises Your Business to a Dedicated Audience

What makes Happy Hour Vibes genuinely different is this: the party is also a broadcast. Every episode streams on K101.2 POP Richmond — Thursdays at 5 PM — and on AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes, transforming guest conversations into real promotional content heard by a dedicated listening audience.

No other networking party in the region doubles as an advertisement for your business. Guests hop on the mic to share what they're looking forward to that month, tell their origin stories, and let their passion for what they do speak for itself — all while being recorded for a real radio show with real reach.

And because POWER UP Productions captures content throughout the event, every guest walks away with pictures and videos to fuel their own social media — shared with press, shared with their networks, and made available for ongoing content creation long after the party ends.

Mocktails, Chick-fil-A, and Networking Pong: Yes, Really

The evening begins with mocktails courtesy of Shaken Not Spurred Mobile Bar and Events and a Chick-fil-A Center of the Universe buffet — because great conversations start even better when the food and drinks are this good.

From there, guests take their turns at the mic before settling into the event's most talked-about feature: Networking Pong. Think beer pong reimagined for the business set. Guests toss a ball into solo cups — but instead of drinking, they're prompted with classic game mechanics like Never Have I Ever and I Drink and I Know Things, each with a clever networking twist.

By the time the rounds are done, guests are laughing. They're loose. They've already started talking about their businesses without even realizing it. That's the genius of Happy Hour Vibes: it makes the thing everyone dreads — talking about yourself at a networking event — feel completely natural.

Hosted by K101.2 POP Richmond Royalty

Happy Hour Vibes is led by an all-star lineup of local personalities including Gianna of Gianna Does it All, Barry Farmer of the Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy, and LouAffirms — your daily Happy Hour Vibes host and the warm, witty voice keeping the energy high from welcome to wrap-up. Shaken Not Spurred Mobile Bar and Events rounds out the hosting team, ensuring the mocktail service is as elevated as the conversation.

May's Episode: The Cow Drop Is Landing in Hanover County

May's Happy Hour Vibes episode — streaming now on K101.2 POP Richmond on Thursdays at 5 PM and at AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes — features a can't-miss conversation with Chick-fil-A Center of the Universe about Operation Cow Drop, the region's most spectacular family event of the season.

Chick-fil-A VA Center Marketplace and The Center of the Universe locations invite the community to Operation Cow Drop at Hanover County Airport on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Admission and parking are FREE. The day includes live music and family-friendly entertainment on the main stage, a touch-a-truck area featuring tow trucks, firetrucks, police vehicles, and an RIR NASCAR Pace Car, and at approximately 1:30 PM: the main event — 1,600 plush parachute cows dropped from the sky in two thrilling waves of 800 cows each, followed by the Airfield Collect-a-Cow Experience ($10 wristband to retrieve your own cow from the airfield)

Also Featured: Arts, Wellness, and Community Making Moves

May's episode also shines a light on Richmond Performing Arts Alliance's The Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series, back and on the road this season offering free workshops for youth ages 3–18 in community centers and schools across the region. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. On Saturday, May 2, the series continues its mission to present non-western art forms so that every student sees themselves represented.

Mile by Miles brings its powerful program Behind the Smile to May's spotlight as well — a virtual therapeutic support group for mothers in early motherhood, led by Eloise McCorkle, Resident in Counseling. Meeting every Wednesday from 10–11 AM via virtual platform, with insurance options available, the spring 2026 group offers postpartum mothers with children under five a space for connection, healing, and community. Because motherhood is beautiful and hard, and no one should navigate it alone.

Mile by Miles brings its powerful program Behind the Smile to May's spotlight

Good Times for a Good Cause

In another expression of Happy Hour Vibes' community-first ethos, half of every ticket's proceeds are donated back to the Downtown Ashland Association's nonprofit mission — keeping the town that calls itself the Center of the Universe thriving for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.

Tickets for the June 29th Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party are on sale now.

Don't wait — this is the networking event that actually works, the party you'll actually remember, and the promotional opportunity you won't find anywhere else.

Secure your seat at AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes

Ashland Fourth Fridays Goes Derby

Ashland Fourth Fridays in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

Secretariat for Virginia modeling marvelous Kentucky Derby hats and styles

Ashland Fourth Fridays is trading in March showers for May flowers — and a whole lot of Derby flair. After a beloved Secretariat birthday celebration was rained out earlier this spring, downtown Ashland is making up for lost time in a big way. On Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5 to 8 PM, the Center of the Universe transforms into the center of Kentucky Derby excitement — right outside Ashland Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA. The event is completely free and family-friendly, making it the perfect springtime outing for neighbors, visitors, and horse racing fans alike.

Taking center stage in the celebration is Secretariat for Virginia, the official partner organization dedicated to honoring the legacy of the legendary Triple Crown champion who called Virginia home. Secretariat for Virginia will host an exclusive merchandise booth at the event — a rare opportunity for fans to take home officially licensed keepsakes celebrating the greatest racehorse of all time. The fun doesn't stop at shopping: Secretariat for Virginia will also award a curated gift basket to the winner of the event's signature Kentucky Derby Hat Contest. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their Derby best — the more fabulous the fascinator, the better the chances of winning.

Racing Parade presented by Ashland Dance Academy

The evening kicks off in high style with a Racing Parade presented by Ashland Dance Academy, setting an energetic and joyful tone before the main event gets underway. From there, acclaimed local act Blue Guitar takes the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage for a free outdoor concert that promises to be the soundtrack of the night. Whether guests are tapping their toes on the lawn or browsing the vendor lineup, live music fills the air from start to finish.

Art, craft, and food vendors will line the sidewalks of Ashland Town Hall, spill into the Town Hall Parking Lot, and stretch along Hanover Avenue — creating a festive open-air marketplace that showcases local artisans, makers, and culinary favorites. Beloved downtown Ashland shops and restaurants will also stay open late for the occasion, giving guests even more reason to linger, explore, and support the small businesses that make this community shine.

Ashland Fourth Fridays in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

Ashland Fourth Fridays is a signature event series produced by the Downtown Ashland Association to celebrate community, local culture, and the irreplaceable spirit of life in Ashland, Virginia — a town that takes immense pride in its identity as the Center of the Universe. May's installment — with its Derby theme, Secretariat connection, live music, and festive vendors — is poised to be one of the most memorable yet.

Ashland Fourth Fridays on May 22nd is free, open to the public, and welcomes guests of all ages. The event takes place rain or shine at 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005. Attendees are invited to follow the Downtown Ashland Association on social media for real-time updates, vendor announcements, and Derby-ready inspiration leading up to the big night.

Event At-a-Glance

What: Ashland Fourth Fridays — Derby Edition

When: Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: Ashland Town Hall & Downtown Ashland | 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005

Admission: Free & open to the public

Highlights: Secretariat for Virginia merchandise booth & gift basket giveaway | Kentucky Derby Hat Contest | Racing Parade by Ashland Dance Academy | Live music by Blue Guitar | Art, craft & food vendors | Late-night downtown shopping & dining

Ultimate Guide to Ashland Train Day, 2026

Ashland Train Day through the lens of Rick Kidd Photography

There are small towns that host events, and then there is Ashland—where, once a year, the rails don’t just carry trains, they carry a community.

On Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ashland Train Day returns for its 22nd year, transforming historic downtown into something that feels less like a festival and more like a living story—one that unfolds along the tracks, between neighbors, across generations, and through the unmistakable rhythm of passing trains. Made possible in large part by signature sponsors Renewal by Andersen, Amtrak Virginia, and Virtual Railfan, the day stands as both a celebration and a testament to what sustained partnership can build over time.

To walk into Ashland on Train Day is to immediately sense that this isn’t accidental. It is built, piece by piece, by people who care deeply about where they live and who they share it with. Volunteers are not only welcomed but cared for, with Minuteman Press of Ashland providing apparel, coffee from The Caboose Market & Cafe, meals from Chick-fil-A Center of the Universe, and lunch offerings from Strawberry Street Catering and Jersey Mike’s. Headquarters at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center hum with coordination and purpose, while the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department and Hanover Safe Place ensure that care and safety remain ever-present outside—visible in the background, but felt throughout.

And then there is the arrival.

Amtrak riders arrive at Ashland Train Day

For many, the journey begins not with traffic, but with a train. Amtrak Virginia invites visitors to turn a single day into a full weekend of railroad wonder, delivering passengers directly to the Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center in the heart of the festivities. That arrival becomes an experience in itself—one that opens the door to a slower, more intentional stay. With an Amtrak ticket in hand, the weekend stretches further: a visit to The Shop at 112 reveals carefully curated vintage finds, The Henry Clay Inn offers a Railroad Grab & Go Picnic perfect for an afternoon along the tracks, and Revival Spa provides a chance to rest and recharge. Together, they transform a visit into something more immersive—an invitation to linger.

Others arrive by car, guided by thoughtfully organized park-and-ride routes at Ashland Junction Shopping Center and Ashland Hanover Shopping Center, where stops along the way—from Around the Table to La Catrina Tortilleria and XtraSuite Salon Studios—become part of the experience. At First Baptist Church, families are welcomed with water, indoor restrooms, and space to pause with inviting vendors before heading in. All shuttle routes are handicap accessible, with additional accessible parking available at the former Henry Clay Elementary School and at Huddle Up, ensuring that every guest can arrive with ease.

For those seeking flexibility, GRTC’s on-demand LINK service offers another way in. Riders can book trips through the GRTC on the Go app or by phone, selecting pick-up points within the service zone and enjoying a comfortable, shared ride into downtown. It is a system designed with intention—one that reflects the broader care woven throughout Train Day itself.

From that moment on, the day opens in every direction.

Children are drawn toward the joyful motion of the Kid Zone at the Ashland Branch Library, made possible by New Community Church, where On The Fly Events fills the space with bounce houses and an obstacle course. Nearby, families settle onto hay bales provided by Ashland Feed Store, sharing sweet moments with treats from Farmview Creamery, American Fruity Smoothies, The Local Cup, Fun Stuff 4 Kids, Joys Delightz, and Kona Ice. Some linger a little longer, discovering Little Wonders Play Co, browsing The TBR Shelf, or connecting with Macaroni Kid RVA and Embrace Foster.

Inside the library, Matthew Dodd’s storytelling brings trains to life through voice and imagination, while RANTRAK (Richmond Area NTRAK) reveals the intricate world of model railroading, blending creativity with STEAM through hands-on exhibits. Just outside, Friends of the Ashland Library extends the invitation to young readers through a children’s book sale, while MoJohn’s Porta Potties and the steady work of St. Ann’s Knights of Columbus ensure the day remains as comfortable as it is engaging.

Vendors at Ashland Train Day

Along the streets, something remarkable happens. Shops, vendors, artists, and makers don’t compete for attention—they contribute to a shared experience, one that unfolds organically with each step. Food arrives in the same spirit. Local restaurants open their doors while food trucks gather in the Ashland Municipal Parking Lot and Hanover Arts and Activities Center, creating a landscape of flavors that reflects both Ashland’s character and its welcome to the wider world.

And always, there is movement.

Music carries through downtown as Center Street Sound Company sets the tone from the Pavilion, while performances unfold across the event—from Free Jambalaya and Friends at Slipped Disc to Ashland Dance Academy and the Hanover Concert Band on the lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Even Santa makes an appearance, a reminder that Train Day embraces wonder in all its forms.

Hanover Concert Band performs at Ashland Train Day

That sense of discovery continues through the exhibits. At the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park, nine interactive installations trace Ashland’s deep railroad heritage, while Studio 54 houses imaginative LEGO train layouts. Vintage equipment and a classic red caboose offer tangible links to the past, while Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys invites attendees into a scavenger hunt that transforms the entire event into an exploration—one that rewards curiosity at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center

Nearby, larger machines invite a different kind of fascination. Through RCI Builders’ Touch-a-Truck experience, participants encounter vehicles from RCI Builders, Ashland Fire Department, Glen Allen Transmission, Wells Tree Service, Gulf Seaboard, JDog Junk Removal, River City Wranglers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Ghostbusters Virginia—ready to be climbed, explored, and admired—while the Old Dominion Model A Ford Club lines South Railroad Avenue with a glimpse into automotive history.

RCI Builders’ Touch-a-Truck at Ashland Train Day

And then there is the spirit of possibility that runs quietly alongside it all.

Through raffles organized by top Mainstreet America non-profit Downtown Ashland Association, the day carries an added sense of anticipation—not as a contest, but as an extension of generosity. Whether it is the chance to win Wild Bill’s Soda mugs with refills that last the day, or the opportunity to set out on a future journey with Amtrak tickets paired with a Center of the Universe Brewing Company brewski on board, the intention is clear: that everyone leaves feeling like a winner in the Center of the Universe.

Even those who cannot attend in person are part of the story, as Virtual Railfan streams Ashland’s passing trains to a global audience, connecting this small town moment to viewers far beyond its borders.

What stands out most, though, is not any single attraction. It is the way everything fits together.

There is a generosity to Ashland Train Day that reveals itself slowly—in the planning, in the partnerships, in the people who return year after year to make it possible. It is a reminder that community isn’t built in grand gestures alone, but in the accumulation of small, intentional acts.

By the time the afternoon begins to wind down, there is a quiet realization that something meaningful has taken place. Not just an event, but a gathering. Not just entertainment, but connection.

Ashland Train Day does not ask much of its visitors. Only that they show up, look around, and allow themselves to be part of something that has been carefully, lovingly built over 22 years.

And perhaps that is why people return.

Because in a world that often moves too quickly, Ashland offers one perfect Saturday where you are invited to slow down, follow the tracks, and remember what it feels like to belong.

Ashland Train Day takes place Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown Ashland. For full details, schedules, volunteer opportunities, and event information, visit AshlandTrainDay.com.