Ultimate Guide to Ashland Strawberry Faire 2024

For over four decades, the Ashland Strawberry Faire has been a beloved tradition, drawing families, friends, and strawberry enthusiasts from far and wide. This free, family-oriented event isn't just about celebrating the juicy goodness of strawberries; it's about coming together as a community, supporting local businesses, and giving back through scholarships and nonprofit initiatives. Make 2024 a summer to savor with this complete guide to making the most of Ashland’s berry-licious event:

📅 When and Where:

• Date: June 1, 2024

• Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Location: Randolph-Macon College, 500 Henry St, Ashland, VA 23005

🚋 Trolley Stops:

Parking: Free parking is available at designated lots, with complimentary trolley rides to the Faire. Strollers are welcome on board!

• Trolley #1 (North):

  •     Hanover County School Board (200 Berkeley St, Ashland, VA 23005)

  •     Hanover County Human Services (12300 S Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005)

• Trolly #2 (South):

  • St. Ann’s Catholic Church (105 S Snead St, Ashland, VA 23005)

  • First Baptist Church of Ashland (800 Thompson St, Ashland, VA 23005)

🛍️ Shopping:
The faire is jam-packed with 300 vendors including

• Arts and Crafts

• Food Vendors

• Nonprofit Organizations
  

🎉 Schedule of Events:

🎵 Blackwell Stage (Sponsored by Ashland ACE Hardware):

• 10:00 am: Hanover County Concert Band kicks off the festivities with melodious tunes.

• 11:30 am: Hanover Idol Rebekah Turner sings the "Star Spangled Banner" followed by the announcement of the 2024 Scholarship winners. Stay tuned for the crowning of the 2024 "Spirit of the Faire."

• 12:00 pm: Sanctified Power Band takes the stage, infusing the air with soulful rhythms.

• 3:00 pm: Simply Us wraps up the day with their enchanting performance.

💃 Hanover in Action Pavilion (Sponsored by Cool Spring Rec Center and Jazzercise of Mechanicsville):

Get ready for a whirlwind of activities and demonstrations throughout the day!

• 10:00 am: Silver Sneakers session @ Cool Spring Rec Center

• 10:30 am: Momentum Dance Center showcases their moves.

• 11:00 am: 804 Dance Company takes the stage.

• 11:30 am: Audience Participation – join in for the Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Wobble, and more!

• 12:00 pm: Don't miss the adorable Pet Pageant!

• 1:00 pm: Keep the dance party going with more audience participation.

• 1:30 pm: Jazzercise Mechanicsville leads a Cardio Sculpt session @ Cool Spring Rec Center.

• 2:00 pm: ChairOne Fitness @ Cool Spring Rec Center – there's a spot waiting just for you!

• 2:30 pm: Ashland Figure Skating Team dazzles with their skills.

• 3:00 pm: Jazzercise Mechanicsville presents another energizing session – this time, it's Sculpt @ Cool Spring Rec Center.

• 3:30 pm: Get ready to sweat with Jazzercise Mechanicsville's Cardio Sculpt session @ Cool Spring Rec Center.

• 4:00 pm: Close out the day with more audience participation and infectious energy.
  

So, what are you waiting for? Join the fun at the Ashland Strawberry Faire 2024 and make memories that are as sweet as summer itself. See you there!

Ashland Fourth Fridays Return with Music, Art, and More!

Set your calendars for the sunny sensation we’ve all been waiting for - Ashland Fourth Fridays! Make downtown Ashland your destination on Friday, May 24th, from 5 PM to 8 PM, for an evening packed with fun, food, and fabulous entertainment to kick off the season in style.

Ashland Fourth Fridays are a recurring delight, lighting up the streets every fourth Friday from May to September. Imagine: a picturesque setting, streets streaming with tours and treats, and mesmerizing entertainment. From artisanal treasures to toe-tapping tunes, Ashland Fourth Fridays offers something for everyone.

Highlighting the evening will be the performances at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. Leading the charge is The Sweet Potatoes, dishing out jazz music inspired by the old Jazz tradition. Celebrated by Shockoe Sessions and Gallery Five, their performance promises to be a sonic delight. But wait, there’s more! The Ashland Dance Academy will kick off the festivities with performances ranging from pint-sized routines to elegant ballet numbers, setting the stage for an evening of rhythm and grace that’s not to be missed!

Feeling peckish? Fear not! Local vendors will be on hand to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in farm-to-table delights in Ashland eateries, sample homemade ice cream from Farmview Creamery, or savor savory treats courtesy of the Ashland Order of the Eastern Star. With options aplenty, your culinary desires are sure to be satisfied!

But that’s not all! Prepare to explore the spookier side of Ashland with the Ashland Haunted History Tours, offering tales that are truly stranger than fiction. Plus, dive into the depths of mystery with RED VEIN Escape’s newest game, "Secrets of the Dead." And for the art lovers among us, immerse yourself in Sculptures by Peidot. The adventure awaits!

As you stroll the streets, take the time to peruse the local shops and attractions. From eclectic art at Refunkit to restored wonders at Caravati's Architectural Salvage, there’s a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Ashland Tattoo Company is hosting Crimson Closet Alternative Boutique while Wagner Jewelers gives you a behind the scenes look at their custom craftsmanship from the open display of their worktables. The Shop at 112 - normally only open on Saturdays - extends their hours for Friday finds into the night. And don’t forget to stop by the Ashland Museum for a dose of local history and pick up a Secretariat Dedication Day t-shirt while you’re there!

So, what are you waiting for? Rally your friends and family, and join us for a Friday night to remember at Ashland Fourth Fridays on May 24th! Whether you’re a seasoned local or just passing through, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Become the headliner of our summer concert series when you sponsor Ashland Fourth Fridays.

Ashland Fourth Fridays Sponsorships

Dive into Summer Fun at Carter Park Pool!

Keep that first plunge into the pool feeling going all summer long with our guppy guide. Here's what you can expect:

Features to Make a Splash About

• 🏊‍♂️ Eight-Lane Junior Olympic-Sized Pool: Perfect for practicing your strokes or racing your friends.

• 🎢 Whirling Slide: Twist and turn into the pool for a thrilling ride.

• 🪣 Dumping Buckets: Prepare to get drenched with fun!

• 💦 Splash Fountain: Cool off under playful jets of water.

• 👶 Kiddie Pool: Safe and fun for our littlest swimmers.

• 🎉 Pool Party Reservations: Celebrate your special occasions with a splash at Carter Park Pool, available through the Town of Ashland.

• 🏅 Swimming Lessons: Offered by the Patrick Henry YMCA Monday through Thursday, both mornings and evenings.

• 🏆 Swim Team Practices and Competitions: Join the Ashland Barracudas for some friendly competition and team spirit.

Accessing Your Summer Escape

• 🗓️ Season Dates: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

• May 25-27

• June 1 - August 18

• August 24 - 25

• August 31 - September 2

• 🕛 Pool Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 12 PM - 7 PM

• Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM - 7 PM

• 🎟️ Memberships & Passes:

• Pool memberships are available now at Ashland Town Hall.

• 10-Pass Packs: Convenient for multiple visits or sharing with friends.

• 🏘️ Open to All: Both Ashland residents and non-residents are welcome.

• 🚍 Free Rides: GRTC Link offers complimentary rides to the pool!

Important Info

• Pool Membership Sales: Open now at Town Hall (Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM) and during pool operating hours.

• Financial Assistance: Pool scholarships are available for qualified Ashland residents. Applications must be submitted to Emmy Houck at Town Hall.

• Payment Methods: Cash, debit, check, or credit cards accepted (note: credit card transactions may include a convenience fee).

Extra Perks

• Pool Parties: Available for private events from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Reservations must be made three weeks in advance.

• Concessions: While the stand isn't open yet, vending machines are available. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks (no alcohol allowed).

Swim Team & Lessons

• Ashland Barracudas: Compete and practice at Carter Park Pool. For more information, visit the Ashland Swim Team's website.

• Swim Lessons: Conducted by the Patrick Henry YMCA. Register on the YMCA website for Monday-Thursday sessions.

Carter Park Pool is ready to be your summer splash spot! Whether you're looking to float leisurely, make a splash on the slide, or improve your swimming skills, there's something for everyone. So, grab your goggles, sunscreen, and pool noodles, and dive into a summer of fun!  Learn more .

Rock Your Business at Ashland Fourth Fridays!

Get ready to turn up the volume this summer with Ashland Fourth Fridays! From May to September, Downtown Ashland comes alive every fourth Friday with shops open late, farm-to-table fresh fare, and free live concerts. It's a rockin' good time, and we want your business to be part of the show!

Why Hit the Sponsorship Stage?

Sponsoring Ashland Fourth Fridays amps up your brand's exposure. Each event draws thousands of music lovers and shoppers, providing your business with prime visibility. With an audience averaging 30,000 monthly visitors and special events like Ashland Train Day attracting over 20,000 fans annually, it's a perfect gig for your marketing strategy.

Encore-Worthy Benefits

• Rockstar Reach: Connect with our extensive and engaged audience.

• Prime Promotional Access: Get exclusive exposure at major events like Ashland Train Day.

• Monthly Business Newsletter: Keep in tune with updates from the Ashland Theatre, Randolph-Macon College, Hanover Chamber of Commerce, and more.
  

Sponsorship Levels

Platinum Sponsor - $1,000

• Social media shoutouts

• Business logo spotlight on our website

• Free promotional space at Ashland Train Day

• Tax receipt and framed sponsor certificate
  

Rock Star Sponsor - $5,000

Includes all Platinum Sponsor benefits, plus:

• Host business development workshops

• One month of free on-screen advertising at Ashland Theatre (a $225 value)

• A feature news article about your business, shared with our 30,000 followers via social media, email, and news media

• Professional photos taken by the Association for your use

• Radio promotion during The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy
  

How to Plug In

We welcome both monetary and in-kind support. You can donate online using the links below, or contact us to make arrangements.

Experience the Magic of Ashland Fourth Fridays

Every fourth Friday, discover the exquisite works of jewelers, painters, and designers downtown. Dine on delectable farm-to-table delights at our charming eateries and delight in live performances by popular musicians at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion.

Discover, dine, and delight in the rich tapestry of talents that make our town truly special. Join us in making Ashland Fourth Fridays an unforgettable community experience, and let your business shine in the spotlight!

ROCK AN ASHLAND FOURTH FRIDAYS SPONSORSHIP

5 Things You Can Do to Celebrate Business Appreciation Month

How we appreciate downtown Ashland businesses, let us count the ways! This month and every month, downtown Ashland is home to cute and quirky attractions thanks to bustling business owners. Use this list of Downtown shops and our business directory to celebrate Business Appreciation Month to the fullest!

🚂 Take a tour around the tracks:
Ashland’s historic district is hallowed and haunted! Revel over the railroad with historic walking tours by the Ashland Museum and Ashland Haunted History Tours. Keep an eye out for the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park set to break ground downtown in the summer of 2024.

🎨 Discover locally curated crafts:
Ashland artists display their talents across a multitude of mediums. Uncover their original works in decor, craft, agriculture, and of course - trains!

🍽️ Dine downtown:
Fresh local ingredients and inventive chefs define dining downtown. Whether you’re tucking into a pot pie, taking out, or cheering on your favorite team from the bar, Ashland offers eats to satisfy all tastebuds. 

🎶 Play from patios at Ashland Saturday Soundtracks:
Popular musicians play live from downtown’s patio areas. Listen in while you enjoy farm-to-table fare from The Caboose Market & Cafe, Origin Beer Lab, Ashland Meat Company, and the Iron Horse Restaurant. Stay tuned to Ashland Saturday Soundtracks at AshlandVirginia.com/Soundtracks

🛍️ Visit the stores open late at Ashland Fourth Fridays:
Ashland stays open late every fourth Friday from May to September. While popular bands like The Sweet Potatoes and The Grandsons play from Ashland Town Hall Pavillion, you can get to know businesses like RefunkIt, The Shop at 112, and Wagner Jewellers and cool down with Farmview Creamery’s farm-fresh ice cream.
Keep up to date with Ashland Fourth Fridays at AshlandFourthFridays.com