Get in Ashland Gear (Before Oct. 31!)

Hey neighbor! Ready to show off your Ashland pride? Now’s the perfect time to order your Center of the Universe and Light Up the Tracks apparel from TSI Promotionals before the October 31 deadline!

Why now? Well, if you place your order today, you can have your gear delivered right to your doorstep before the end of November—just in time for the holiday season!

Center of the Universe Apparel

It’s a great way to celebrate everything we love about our cosmic town, and the Center of the Universe design is fabulous for rocking your Ashland spirit all year long.

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Light Up the Tracks Apparel

Looking for something to wear at Light Up the Tracks? You can snag children’s tee-shirts, cozy adult hoodies, and more. But don’t wait!

If you miss the order deadline, don’t worry—you can still grab your favorite tee at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration on November 23. Just swing by Downtown Ashland Association’s booth between 5–8 PM at the Ashland Town Hall parking lot.

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Downtown Ashland Gear

And that’s not all! Show your downtown love with fleece-lined knit caps, Port Authority Essential Zip Totes, and even trucker caps—perfect for those cool Virginia days.

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So, what are you waiting for, neighbor? Place your order today and rep Ashland in style!

Ashland Fourth Fridays Rain Plan: The Party Rolls On—Rain or Shine!

As Hurricane Helen looms, threatening to rain on our parade, Ashland’s spirit is far too strong to be dampened! Our Ashland Fourth Fridays celebration is still on, thanks to the generous support of local venues. Should the weather take a stormy turn, we’re moving the fun indoors to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, Studio 54, and Slipped Disc. No matter what, this Friday, September 27, will be full of art, music, food, and pride!

🎶 Singing in the Rain (Indoors!)

The highly anticipated Ashland Song Contest will shift into the cozy confines of Slipped Disc, where Free Jambalaya will record the performances live. Since space is limited for in-person viewing, we’re excited to announce that Downtown Ashland Association will stream the event on Instagram and Facebook stories (@AshlandVirginia). Grab your umbrella, check your Wi-Fi, and tune in to enjoy these local talents as they serenade us with their best tunes.

🌈 TransJam: A Rainbow Indoors

Rain or shine, we’re celebrating Virginia Pride in all its colorful glory! TransJam Events, a trans-led organization dedicated to fun, inclusive events, will move their vendors indoors at 110 Thompson and the much-talked-about Studio 54. Expect to find a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, homemade jams, pastries, original art, and tarot readings, all under one roof.

Whether it’s drizzling or pouring, let your true colors shine! Dress in your brightest rainbow attire and show your pride as we come together to create a dazzling display of unity and joy. Who knows? Maybe our vivid energy will chase away the clouds!

📚 Food and Fun at Hanover Arts

The fun continues indoors at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, where food and craft vendors will bring their offerings, and Free to Read will host a children’s book giveaway. There’s something for everyone—from face painting to a delicious array of treats from local vendors. The festivities begin at 5 PM, kicking off with an incredible performance by the Ashland Dance Academy, featuring a dynamic mix of ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre.

And if you’re looking to keep the groove going, don’t miss The Sweet Potatoes, an amazing jazz quartet known for soulful covers, original tunes, and spontaneous jams that’ll have you dancing in no time. Rain won’t slow this crew down!

🍽️ Food Trucks and Local Fare

For those craving a little more bite to their Friday fun, Monique’s Crepes and Bikini Panini food trucks will still be parked outside Ashland Dance Academy and Ashland Town Hall, serving up delicious sweet, and savory delights. And if that’s not enough, TransJam will be bringing their food truck as well!

👻 Spooky Indoor Fun

The immersive games by RED VEIN Escape will also move indoors, offering a thrilling challenge, while the ever-popular Ashland Haunted History Tours delve into our town’s eerie past, rain or not.

🛍️ Late-Night Shopping

Local shops and restaurants will stay open late, offering farm-to-fork feasts and curated art, gifts, and housewares. No need to rush home! Rain or shine, there will be plenty to explore and enjoy.

⚠️ Keep an Eye on the Weather

While we hope the storm passes and allows us to party outside, we’ll make the official call after 1 PM on Friday, September 27. Stay tuned to Downtown Ashland Association’s Facebook, Instagram, or AshlandFourthFridays.com for updates on whether we’re sticking with the sunny day plan or shifting to our rainy day backup.

Let’s make this Fourth Friday one to remember—whether under the stars or under a roof!

Honoring Our Veterans and Preserving Their Legacy

For Manning Memorial Services, the question "Have you forgotten?" isn’t rhetorical—it’s a reminder of the importance of preserving our shared history. "You wouldn't believe how many people have forgotten," Manning says, referring to the number of unmarked graves in American cemeteries with no maps or records. "They are our veterans. They are America's veterans."

Ashland’s own Manning Memorial Services offers a comprehensive range of services including headstone and monument sales, expert care for cemetery plots, and specialized cleaning of both private monuments and government statues. They excel in the restoration of monuments, providing straightening, leveling, engraving, and repainting services to ensure every detail is preserved. Their team also assists with grave location services and supplies for funerals, including chair covers and graveside floral arrangements. With a deep commitment to veterans, they provide dedicated veteran services, including discounts for first responders and military entities. Manning Memorial Services partners with local governments for the cleaning and maintenance of memorials, ensuring that the legacy of service is upheld with the highest standards of care. Downtown Ashland is the next location to experience their expert care.

A Legacy Born from Service

For Daniel Manning Jr., service is more than a job; it’s a calling rooted in his own experiences with loss and remembrance. Manning, who worked at the Pentagon during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, was transferred to Arlington National Cemetery afterward. "I ended up being the one who assigned the graves—for families and their loved ones," Manning recalls. His work went far beyond simply recording names and locations; it became a mission of uncovering forgotten history. "I uncovered graves from every era of American history—including the Civil War. I took every cracked, leaning, crumbling stone and saw they were cleaned and stood erect."

It was this responsibility that sparked his passion for preservation, a passion that now drives Manning Memorial Services. "I trained a lot of individuals to carry on the same tradition," Manning says. "That’s what inspired me—carrying on. Now, we're bringing that training to Ashland."

Manning’s work in Arlington has influenced his belief that not every hero finds rest in national cemeteries like Arlington. Many rest in local churchyards, county cemeteries, or even school grounds. "We follow up, find their final resting places, and preserve them. It takes a community to make sure that veteran graves are taken care of," says Manning. At Shiloh Baptist Church in Ashland alone, the company has identified 83 veterans’ graves.

Preserving More Than Stones

Co-owner Mary Renee’s military background further deepens their connection to this mission. "All of my grandparents were in the military. I always looked up to both of my grandfathers, so I joined the Army because of them," Renee shares. Her dedication to the veterans’ community aligns perfectly with the values that Manning Memorial Services embodies.

Manning Memorial Services goes beyond creating monuments for veterans; they actively engage in restoring and preserving existing graves. Volunteers are crucial to their efforts, helping to locate, clean, and repair veterans’ headstones across the community. The information gathered is compiled into a database, with photos sent to organizations like Wreaths Across America to ensure that graves are honored every Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Every stone, every name, every story matters. "Everyone has someone dear to them who has served. Everybody has a story of their uncle, father, mother, sibling, love. Everyone has a story," Manning adds. Manning Memorial Services is committed to ensuring these stories are not forgotten. "Bringing our services to cemeteries needs to be done. It has to be done. It is already happening. And it’s starting in Ashland."

Manning Memorial Services continues to recruit volunteers to carry on their mission, hosting community cleaning efforts twice a year. Through these events, they hope to uncover forgotten graves, clean them, and honor their sacrifices with wreaths placed by Wreaths Across America. This commitment ensures that no veteran is forgotten, and their stories continue to be told, not just in Ashland, but across the nation.

"We’re connecting the community back with the tradition of caring for these stones so people can contribute to America's foundation," Manning explains. Volunteers can sign up to help by emailing Manning Memorial Services at mmsinva@gmail.com.

5 Fall Finds in Downtown Ashland

As the air turns crisp and the leaves dance in shades of gold, downtown Ashland, Virginia, becomes the ultimate autumn escape. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here are 5 fall finds that will have you fall-ing in love with the season all over again!

1. Pick the Perfect Bouquet at The Freckled Flower Farm

Step into a floral wonderland at Freckled Flower Farm, voted Virginia’s Best Flower Farm! With the last blooms of the season peeking through, it’s your chance to pick fall flowers before the final bloom. Book your visit.

2. Get Lost in the Colors of Ashland’s Parks and Trails

Whether you’re leafing through the parks on foot, pedaling through on a bike, running toward the vibrant foliage, or cozying up for a picnic, the Town of Ashland’s parks and trails offer a stunning display of bold fall colors and gourd-geous sights. It’s the perfect way to leaf your worries behind! Play in Ashland parks.

3. Savor Seasonal Delights in Downtown Ashland

Take a bite out of autumn at downtown Ashland restaurants, where seasonal farm-to-fork dishes will make your taste buds autumn-atically sing. Don’t forget to shop locally for autumn treasures that are pumpkin spice and everything nice. Chow down and start shopping.

4. Fall into Fun at Ashland’s Fourth Fridays

Mark your calendar for the final Ashland Fourth Fridays event of the season on September 27! Enjoy a festive evening with vendors from Trans Jam Events, a concert by The Sweet Potatoes, music from Ashland Song Contest winners, a fall-tastic book giveaway by Free to Read, and spook-tacular entertainment from Ashland Dance Academy, RED VEIN Escape, and Ashland Haunted History Tours. Fall into Ashland Fourth Fridays.

5. Experience 31 Days of Halloween in Downtown Ashland

Get ready for a month of spooky fun with 31 Days of Halloween in Downtown Ashland! Think you have the spookiest house on the block? Sign up for the Spooky Light Tour and show off your haunted handiwork. For more ghoulish delights, visit AshlandHalloween.com.

There’s always something festive happening in downtown Ashland! Universe. Don’t wait to plan your visit to the Center of the Universe! Every season offers its own special charm, but fall is simply unbe-leaf-able!

September Fourth Fridays Guide

Get ready for an extraordinary evening in historic downtown Ashland! The final Ashland Fourth Fridays of the summer season is upon us, and this year’s celebration is extra special. Join us on September 27, from 5-8 PM, for an event that not only highlights our community’s spirit but also marks a key celebration of Virginia Pride—a spectacular month-long tribute to the LGBTQ community across the state.

A Night of Dynamic Entertainment

The festivities kick off at 5 PM with an impressive lineup of performances by the Ashland Dance Academy at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. From the elegance of ballet to the energy of hip-hop and the flair of musical theatre, these talented dancers will bring the stage to life.

Following the dance performances, enjoy a free concert featuring the Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray, who will grace us with her award-winning song. The celebration continues with special performances from other song contest finalists, showcasing their original Center of the Universe-themed creations.

And don’t miss The Sweet Potatoes, a fearless jazz quartet known for their soulful takes on classic covers, innovative originals, and spontaneous jams. With vocal scats, vibrant violin riffs, and a dynamic rhythm section, they’ll have you grooving all night long.

Delicious Bites and Unique Finds

As you enjoy the music and performances, explore an array of vendors around Ashland Town Hall and 110 Thompson Street. TransJam Events, a trans-led service dedicated to organizing fun, inclusive, and engaging local events, will be bringing you a diverse range of vendors offering everything from homemade jams and pastries to original art and tarot readings. 

Treat yourself to sweet and savory crepes from Moniques Crepes or savor Mediterranean-inspired pressed sandwiches from Bikini Panini. Capture a memorable photo with a special guest at 110 Thompson Street—previous visitors have included Bluey, Princess Belle, and Queen Elsa. And don’t forget to grab some free popcorn and cotton candy from Ashland Dance Academy!

Show Your True Colors

In celebration of Virginia Pride, we encourage everyone to let their true colors shine. Dress in your brightest rainbow attire and show your pride as we come together to create a colorful, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re waving rainbow flags or sporting colorful accessories, let’s make this event a vivid display of unity and joy.

Art, Entertainment, and Community Spirit

Discover more artistic wonders with KandiMan’s original soft sculptures in front of Changing Reins, and browse Immagine LLC’s art outside Ashland Meat Company. Don’t miss Free to Read’s book giveaway outside the Ashland Branch Library. Engage in immersive games with RED VEIN Escape or delve into Ashland’s darker history with the Ashland Haunted History Tours.

Local restaurants and shops will stay open late, offering delicious farm-to-fork feasts and showcasing curated art and housewares, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join the Celebration!

This final Ashland Fourth Fridays of the summer season is not just a community event; it's a celebration of inclusivity, pride, and local spirit. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to experience a night of vibrant entertainment, diverse food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Let’s celebrate our community, embrace our true colors, and make this a night to remember. See you in downtown Ashland!