Vote for a Picture Perfect Ashland!

Ashland has always had a picture-perfect charm, and now you can help capture that spirit by voting for Downtown Ashland Association in the 2024 NIA Nonprofit Photo Contest! Voting is open until November 22, 2024, and each vote brings us closer to securing up to $5,000 in funding that would go directly into supporting our vibrant, small-town community.

This year, we submitted a stunning snapshot that perfectly reflects the joy and dreams of Ashland’s young dancers. Taken during the Ashland Dance Academy’s spring showcase screening at the Ashland Theatre, the photo captures families lining the red carpet as young dancers strutted down a runway sprinkled with stars bearing their names. Just like Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, this scene was filled with excitement and dreams. In the Center of the Universe, we believe in turning aspirations into achievements—just like this moment captured on film.

How You Can Help

It’s easy to add your vote to the frame! Click on this link to vote and support Downtown Ashland Association with a single click. Voting is open to all, but limited to one vote per person, so make sure your focus is crystal clear when casting your vote.

Why It Matters

With $5,000 in potential cash prizes, including awards for “Best of Show” and “Standing Ovation” winners, your vote helps us zoom in on a brighter future for Ashland. Downtown Ashland Association is more than just an organization—we’re a community of artists, farmers, government leaders, business owners, parents, and grandparents. Together, we work tirelessly to strengthen our town’s economic development, amplify local businesses, and host events that bring people together in unforgettable ways.

So, grab your virtual camera and capture this chance to support Ashland! With just a click, you can help Downtown Ashland Association snap up the resources we need to continue shining a spotlight on our town’s potential.

Remember, voting closes at 8 p.m. ET on November 22, 2024, so let’s frame our path to victory today! The winners will be announced on December 10, 2024—stay tuned and let’s hope our community makes it into the winner's circle.

Thank you for helping us develop a stronger Ashland, one vote at a time.

Downtown Ashland Association Named Small Business of the Year Finalist

We’re thrilled to announce that Downtown Ashland Association has been named a finalist for Small Business of the Year in the 2024 HYPE Icons: Young Professionals Awards hosted by Chamber RVA. This prestigious recognition celebrates our commitment to revitalizing and uplifting Ashland’s historic downtown—a place so many of us call home and proudly represent as “The Center of the Universe.”

Join us to celebrate this achievement at the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 14, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at Richmond’s iconic Altria Theater, located at 6 N Laurel Street. Dress to impress in your dressy-casual best, and come ready to cheer us on! We’d love to see familiar faces from Ashland joining us for an evening of recognition, celebration, and a show of support for small businesses that make our communities vibrant and strong.

A Legacy of Excellence in Revitalizing Downtown Ashland

For over a decade, Downtown Ashland Association has upheld its Main Street America accreditation, marking 11 consecutive years of distinction. This honor reflects our dedication to creating a thriving, welcoming downtown, fueled by programs that boost economic development, preserve Ashland’s rich heritage, and foster community engagement. The accreditation process includes an intensive review, and Downtown Ashland Association proudly achieved an impressive 4.5 rating, demonstrating excellence across key areas like inclusive leadership, diverse funding sources, and impactful programming.

From Ashland Train Day and Light Up the Tracks to monthly Ashland Fourth Fridays and the family-friendly Ashland Halloween celebration, we bring together residents, businesses, and visitors to create unforgettable experiences. Our team of volunteers, board members, and staff, led by Executive Director Maggie Longest, works tirelessly to ensure that Ashland remains a top destination for both locals and newcomers.

Empowering Small Businesses in Ashland

Downtown Ashland Association not only celebrates Ashland’s history but actively contributes to its future by supporting local businesses. In 2023, we secured $175,000 in grants from the Virginia Main Street Program, allowing us to offer free workshops, pitch competitions, business handbooks, and mentorship programs. Our partnerships with organizations like Market Ashland Partnership and Hanover Chamber of Commerce help cultivate a supportive environment for small businesses, encouraging a cycle of growth, innovation, and local patronage.

Preserving Ashland’s Unique Character

Our mission includes preserving Ashland’s distinct character and history, so future generations can continue to experience its charm. Collaborations with the Ashland Museum and Hanover County Black Heritage Society allow us to celebrate and preserve the stories, people, and events that define Ashland’s identity.

Celebrate with Us and Help Ashland Thrive!

As we gear up for this incredible honor, we invite you to join us at the HYPE Icons Awards on November 14. And if you’d like to support Downtown Ashland Association’s work year-round, consider becoming a VIP member. Membership helps us continue the impactful programs and initiatives that make Ashland the vibrant place we all love.

To become a VIP member and learn more about supporting Downtown Ashland Association, visit AshlandVirginia.com/VIP. Together, we can ensure that Downtown Ashland remains a beacon of community spirit, innovation, and pride. See you at the ceremony!

Neighbors of Ashland Spotlights Downtown Ashland Director's Family

This November, Neighbors of Ashland Magazine honors Downtown Ashland Association’s Director of Operations by featuring their family on the front cover of the 5th anniversary edition. Read the whole article by editor Darlene Hart below.

When we think about the strong and vibrant town of Ashland, Virginia, we must also consider those who make it the best place to live, thrive, and do business. The Downtown Ashland Association is a huge part of who we are, and this month, we are thrilled to learn a little more about Louise “Lou” Keeton, the extraordinary Director of Operations for the Downtown Ashland Association. She also volunteers as the Artistic Director of the Whistle Stop Theatre Company.

Lou is one of three children and the only daughter of Craig and Barbara Keeton, who moved here in 2001 after seeing “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Of this production, the Keetons describe one of their favorite memories,  “We were so moved by the spirit of that movie as we walked out onto the streets of this town, feeling so welcomed by the community.”

Craig and Barbara met during a production of “Our Town” while they were in college. They were later engaged during a “Cinderella” production, where Craig played the prince and Barbara played Cinderella. “Cinderella” became the Whistle Stop Theatre Company’s first children’s show, and “Our Town” was produced at the Ashland Theatre as a part of the Whistle Stop’s 10th anniversary Celebration.

Craig attended Emerson College as an actor and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Management. Now retired, he spent 41 years in the television business, the last 22 at Richmond VPM, where he served as the Director of Production and Television Studios. He produced and directed countless events, from Gubernatorial Inaugurations to sporting events to the Richmond Symphony. He volunteers as the Technical Director of the Whistle Stop Theatre Company. 

Barbara Keeton graduated from the Mississippi University for Women and is now the administrative officer of Division 38 of the American Psychological Association, where she has served for 27 years. She has an award named after her for the great work she has done with the society. She volunteers as the Managing, Props, and Costume Director at the Whistle Stop Theatre Company. 

Craig loves playing with his record album collection, online chess, boxing at Vintage Gym in Richmond, and golf at the Hollows. Barbara enjoys yard sale treasure-hunting, refurnishing furniture, creating costumes, and sewing. Both volunteer in multiple capacities at their church, St. Ann’s in Ashland.

Lou Keeton graduated with a BFA in Theatre for Youth from Shenandoah Conservatory. In her roles with the Downtown Ashland Association and the Whistle Stop Theatre Company, she is often seen planning events on behalf of the Association, dressing up for interviews about Ashland, and, of course, writing new stage adaptations of beloved tales to produce at Whistle Stop. 

Craig and Barbara have lived on Maple Street for over 20 years. They moved here after their son Ben was accepted into William and Mary. They were attracted to Hanover Public Schools because of their youngest, Lou, who was in middle school then. They were immediately charmed by Ashland’s picturesque downtown, friendly neighbors, and the Ashland Variety Show. They figured any town that could include everyone in a show has got to be a great place to live. 

“We live in Ashland proper on Maple Street across from the Slash Cottage neighborhood on the same block as Carter Park. We have lived here since 2001, 23 years. We moved from Germantown, Maryland, and Barbara developed a process for projecting our needs in a new town and trying to find a forever home after our younger son began college at W&M and our daughter entered middle school. Ashland was so welcoming, and we have never looked back.

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We love being able to walk anywhere in town and easily participate in community events.  Our neighbors are great. We have helped each other over the years. One neighbor helped cut up a tree felled during Hurricane Isabel, another has plowed our driveway during heavy snows, and another has volunteered to bring over mulch in his truck. We have babysat for others. It’s a great mix of people we have known since we moved here and new generations moving in.”

Lou and JK Royston met online and immediately began collaborating as a part of their courtship. Recording “It’s a Wonderful Life” for streaming was inspired by JK’s career as a music producer and recording artist. “Our favorite memories are made together when we can just ‘be.’ We’re so busy; any time we get to rest, create, and collaborate is cherished.”

Lou and JK began renting on Henry Clay Road in 2024. They moved to be within walking distance of downtown, Lou's parents, and to fully immerse themselves in Ashland’s culture - just like Craig and Barbara, who are involved in just about everything the Downtown Ashland Association does – festivals, events, etc., and of course, Lou’s Whistle Stop Theatre productions.

Craig and Barbara are also parents to Andrew (married to wife, Danielle) and Ben (married to wife, Tina). They have two granddaughters, Isabel and Madeline. 

Andrew and Ben played baseball into their teens, and Ben continued as a Division 1 baseball player through his college career at William and Mary. Andrew, Ben, and Lou have all been involved in volunteerism and non-profit work throughout their lives. Like Lou, Andrew also has a career with a non-profit. He is the Digital Arts Manager for the Richmond Production Arts Alliance. Ben is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and runs 20 different facilities at the Jackson Clinics, based in Herndon, Virginia, as the Executive Director of Clinical Operations.

For Craig, Barbara, and Lou, The Whistle Stop Theatre Company is their hobby, interest, and volunteer work! “It combines everything we love - creating, collaborating, performing, and amping up Ashland. We’ve called the Center of the Universe our home for over 20 years. The least we can do is use our skills and talents to embrace the town that has held us so close.”

The Keetons love living in Ashland. Walking downtown for work, dining, or entertainment is such a joy. They can admire the beautiful flowers neighbors have planted, weave through parks, and stop to chat with the friendly faces they see along the way. Their Ashland neighbors are so creative and talented that they inspired the Whistle Stop Theatre Company. “We produce shows in part so we can literally provide a stage for local talent to shine and give back to the community.”

Ashland’s community is so generous. For the past ten years, Ashland venues like the Hanover Arts and Activities Center and the Ashland Theatre have donated their time, space, and resources to enable them to use the proceeds for the next production. Such generosity makes programs like “Share a Seat” possible. “Share a Seat” donates Whistle Stop tickets to underserved communities so empathetic storytelling can reach beyond the Center of the Universe.

“There is a reason the Whistle Stop produces shows like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Our Town.’ They are all stories that remind us of the Center of the Universe. These narratives speak to Ashland’s sense of community, camaraderie, and kindness - and hopefully inspire future generations.

Besides producing for the Whistle Stop, the Keetons spend many volunteer hours on behalf of the Downtown Ashland Association. They have been producing family holiday shows in conjunction with Downtown Ashland Association events like Light Up the Tracks for years. Some favorites include “Little Women,” “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” and now “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Fun Facts about the Keetons:

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• “Cinderella” was the first Whistle Stop children’s show in honor of Craig and Barbara’s engagement.

• “Our Town” was selected as the Whistle Stop’s 10th-anniversary production in honor of the show Craig and Barbara met in.

• Barbara and Lou - real-life mother and daughter - got to play mother and daughter as Mrs. Webb and Emily Webb in the Whistle Stop’s “Our Town” and again as Mrs. March and Jo March in “Little Women.”

• Craig and Louise - real-life father and daughter - got to play father and daughter as President Dak and Snow White in the Whistle Stop’s “Snow White and the Super Dwarves” and again as Mr. March and Jo March in “Little Women.”

• Craig and Barbara - real-life Mr. and Mrs. Keeton - played Mr. and Mrs. March in the Whistle Stop’s “Little Women.”

• “The Selfish Giant” was the first play Barbara and Louise wrote and produced together.

• All three Keeton children go by their middle names!  (Craig) Andrew and (Robert) Benjamin because they were named after other family members, and Craig and Barbara wanted them to have their own identities. (Stephanie) Louise had always gone by Stephanie until moving to Ashland, and she declared she would henceforth be known by Louise.

• Craig and Barbara host  “Gramby Camp” for their granddaughters every summer and sometimes babysit Ben’s Lab.

• The Keetons host an private gathering for neighbors on Thanksgiving Eve, known as “Hors d’oeuvres Night.” 

• The Keetons’ Christmas holiday family celebration is held on “Twelfth Night!”

• Andrew won a painting contest in high school and was chosen to represent Maryland as his work was displayed in the Smithsonian Institution near the Presidential Gallery.

• Ben travels worldwide with his best friend, fishing for exotic fish and documenting their catches.

• Lou began the Whistle Stop Theatre here in Ashland 12 years ago and took her original (now-published) play, “Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother’s Tale,” to the New York Children’s Theatre Festival.

Barbara’s job allows her and Craig to travel each year to a new US destination, and the kids are most responsible for arranging opportunities for travel to Italy, France, and the Caribbean. The most extensive trip was to New York when the Whistle Stop’s “Cinderella: The Fairy Godmother’s Tale” was produced in the New York Children’s Theatre Festival.

Other trips have been to Disney World (Craig and Barbara’s honeymoon trip) and three other times with the children as they grew. As big baseball fans, they have also traveled to Cooperstown, New York, on multiple occasions, and, most recently, Craig and the boys went to see beloved Red Sox icon David Ortiz, inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Keeton family has become the heart of Ashland, and we are thankful to have them pumping through our town.

The next original Whistle Stop Theatre Company production is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Three radio episodes will be streamed online leading up to the fourth and final live reading at 3:00 pm in the Ashland Theatre on Sunday, December 15. Tickets are available online for $10 at AshlandTheatre.org.

Neighbors Support Ashland’s Future This Giving Tuesday

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we’re reflecting on an incredible year and inviting you to support Downtown Ashland Association in making a difference for our community. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of neighbors like you to keep Ashland thriving. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together in 2024 - and why your support this Giving Tuesday means so much.

2024: A Year of Big Wins for Downtown Ashland

Connecting Ashland to the World

With 271,000 visits to our tourism website, we’re making Ashland known far and wide! Through dedicated media efforts — including a campaign for the Secretariat monument — we reached 2.6 million media impressions, helping the world discover what makes Ashland special.

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Fueling Local Business Growth

Our mission includes empowering Ashland’s local businesses. Thanks to a $100,000 grant, we launched new Entrepreneurship Initiatives, supporting local entrepreneurs in innovating and expanding right here in Ashland.

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Beautifying Downtown

With a $75,000 grant, we’re establishing Downtown Design Guidelines to keep Ashland charming, functional, and welcoming. From architectural guidelines to beautification efforts, we’re ensuring that the heart of Ashland remains as vibrant as ever.

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Highlighting Arts and Culture

We celebrated the arts in 2024 with beautiful new murals and popular events like Fourth Fridays and the Ashland Song Contest. These gatherings bring us together, showcase local talent, and make downtown a place of inspiration and joy.

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Creating Unforgettable Experiences:

Our signature events — Ashland Halloween, Ashland Train Day, and Ashland Fourth Fridays — have brought tens of thousands of guests into downtown Ashland, infusing our town with energy, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our sense of community.

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Why Giving Matters

Giving Tuesday is your chance to support Downtown Ashland Association in its mission to keep Ashland lively, beautiful, and community-focused. You don’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday to give, but if you’re inspired to join us on this day of generosity, your donation will fuel even more growth, engagement, and excitement for 2025.

Every dollar you give powers our events, marketing efforts, and initiatives, allowing us to bring out the best in Ashland. Let’s keep building a future filled with community spirit, creativity, and opportunity.

Thank you for considering Downtown Ashland Association this Giving Tuesday. With your help, Ashland’s best days are still ahead!

31 Days of Ashland Halloween

Get ready for a spine-tingling October in the heart of the Center of the Boo-niverse! Downtown Ashland invites you to experience 31 days of Halloween magic, where our charming town transforms into a hauntingly fun destination for the entire family. With spooky shopping, devilishly delicious dining, and ghoulishly good entertainment, there’s no shortage of tricks and treats. Whether you’re a local or creeping in from out of town, you’re sure to find something eerie-sistable around every corner. Come visit us all spooky season long and join in on the Halloween fun!

Events That Will Make You Howl

This October, every weekend is packed with frightful fun! From family-friendly trunk-or-treats to eerie-sistable craft beer festivals, Ashland has events that are sure to raise your spirits. Join us for the Ashland Halloween Market on October 31, where you can browse over 30 vendors and enjoy live entertainment. Don’t forget to stamp your Scavenger Hunt card for a chance to win a wickedly cool prize!

Dress for Distress
Get your boo-tiful Ashland Halloween swag from TSI Promotionals before October 6, and haunt the streets in exclusive style! Don’t let this fang-tastic gear slip through your claws—order now and be ready to spook up the town.

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Shop ‘Til You Drop (Dead)

Downtown Ashland transforms into a haunted haven for shoppers! Stroll through local boutiques bewitched with one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you’re searching for fine jewelry that sparkles like a witch’s cauldron, upcycled home furnishings to die for, or handmade crafts by local artists, you’ll be spellbound by the selection. You might even find yarn that would make Stars Hollow jealous! Shop around, or you might miss a fang-tastic deal!

Dine and Unwind (Or Unravel)

Sink your fangs into Ashland’s frightfully delicious dining options. From farm-to-fork meals that will make your taste buds scream, to spooky margaritas that pack a ghostly punch, there's something for every monster. Whether you're craving classic American fare or have a taste for Italian, BBQ, or more, every meal is served with a side of eerie-sistable charm. Dine at Ashland’s restaurants, where every bite is to die for!

Play Dead-citing Games

Looking for a ghostly good time? Ashland’s spooky venues have you covered. Escape from chilling rooms where every clue could be your last—or take a haunted history tour to unearth the secrets of our historic town. Feeling brave? Catch a horror flick at the Ashland Theatre that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s a scream-worthy way to play this Halloween season.

Get Spooked Today

There’s more than enough fun to fill 31 days! Visit AshlandHalloween.com to discover all the spooky happenings and make sure you’re part of the haunted action. Don’t miss out on the most terror-ific month of the year!