Fourth Fridays Kicks off the Summer!

Ashland Dance Academy performing at Ashland Fourth Fridays in the Ashland Town Hall Pavillion

The beloved Ashland Fourth Fridays series returns in 2025, bringing live music, local art, and vibrant community spirit to the Center of the Universe. Held on the fourth Friday of each month from May through August, this event invites visitors to shop, dine, and dance under the stars while enjoying free concerts, artisan vendors, and farm-to-table cuisine in historic downtown Ashland.

Each month, Ashland Fourth Fridays will feature a diverse lineup of live performances at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, highlighting some of Virginia’s most exciting musical acts in the Center of the Universe:

  • May 23, 2025 – The Generations Trio
    Kickstarting the summer with smooth jazz and timeless classics, The Generations Trio blends rich melodies and swinging grooves, performing favorites from icons like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock alongside fresh takes on classic rock hits.

  • June 27, 2025 – Life Support
    With funky harmonies and an eclectic mix of instruments, Life Support reinvents acoustic rock with the cajón, electric ukulele, and acoustic bass, delivering an energetic and engaging sound.

  • July 25, 2025 – The Blue Guitar
    This dynamic group covers rock, jazz, R&B, and pop, combining instrumental arrangements with powerful vocals for an unforgettable performance.

  • August 22, 2025 – Vexine
    Closing out the summer with their signature "southern rock noir," Vexine’s powerhouse vocals and bold instrumentation will electrify the crowd. This final Fourth Friday will also announce the winner of the Ashland Song Contest, unveiling an original song inspired by the town itself.

Vend at Ashland Fourth Fridays

APPLICATION

Beyond the music, Ashland Fourth Fridays offer an immersive experience, including extended shopping hours at downtown boutiques, an artist marketplace, and delicious eats from local restaurants. The Ashland Dance Academy will once again energize the crowd with special performances, while thrill-seekers can enjoy interactive entertainment like escape games from RED VEIN Escape and eerie storytelling with Ashland Haunted History Tours.

Artists, artisans, and food vendors are encouraged to apply to be part of this celebration of creativity and community. Vendor spaces are carefully curated to highlight the region’s vast talent, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for attendees. Interested vendors should apply exclusively through the Downtown Ashland Association.

Ashland Song Contest

ENTER

For those eager to leave their mark on Ashland’s musical legacy, the Ashland Song Contest is now accepting entries. Songwriters of all levels are invited to compose an original tune celebrating Ashland, with the winning piece earning a professional recording session, a live debut at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration, streaming on all major platforms, and a played on the K101.2 POP.

From handcrafted art to delicious cuisine, from jazz melodies to rock anthems, Ashland Fourth Fridays are the perfect way to experience the town’s creative and cultural energy. Whether discovering a new favorite band, savoring a gourmet dish, or finding the perfect locally made treasure, visitors are sure to be enchanted by this unique summer event.

For more information, including vendor applications and song contest submissions, visit AshlandFourthFridays.com and follow the Downtown Ashland Association on social media. Don’t miss the chance to discover, dine, and delight at Ashland Fourth Fridays—where music, art, and community shine under the summer sky.

EnterTRAINment at Ashland Train Day

Ashland Train Day by Finger Print Photo Studio

Get ready to blow the whistle on boredom because Ashland Train Day is pulling into the station on Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM in historic downtown Ashland! Whether you're a dedicated railfan or just looking for a first-class way to spend the day, this locomotive-loving festival is packed with entertainment, shopping, and dining that will keep your spirits chugging along.

Dining That’s on the Right Track

Ashland Train Day-ers dining at Homemades by Suzanne

Ashland is always a food lover’s paradise, but Train Day puts the local dining scene in the express lane. Within the event area, you can dine at hometown favorites like The Caboose Market & Cafe, Origin Beer Lab, Iron Horse Restaurant, Homemades by Suzanne, Classic Coffee, Tea and Books, Cafe 54 Breakfast and Lunch, The Henry Clay Inn, Sugar Fix Bakery, Sweet Frog, Ashland Pot Pie Company, and Ash & Olive. Craving something on the go? The Ashland Train Day Food Court is brimming with flavors from around the world, featuring Monique’s Crepes, Strawberry Street Events, Hungry Hungry Arrow, Auntie Alice’s Kettle Corn, and Good Vices Ices. Plus, volunteers will enjoy special treats as a thank-you for keeping the event running on time!

Make a pit stop at Ashland Meat Company @ Cross Brothers for a selection of farm-to-fork deli platters, gourmet sandwiches, and local libations. If you need fuel for your day, drink up great beverages and books at Classic Coffee, Tea and Books. Whether you sit down for a meal at The Caboose Market & Cafe or grab a treat from Homemades by Suzanne, there's no shortage of delicious dining to fuel your festival fun.

Off the Rails Shopping

Shop ‘til you drop with over 100 vendors selling unique finds, from jewelry and art to baked goods and handcrafted toys. Bravo Bakeshop, the 2024 Center Street Pitch Competition winner, will be serving up award-winning treats to satiate your sweet tooth while your friendly neighborhood dentists at Root Modern Dentistry keep them clean.

Make a stop at Amtrak Virginia’s booth to play games and enter a raffle for a free trip along the East Coast! Swing by Wawa’s tent for snacks and a selfie with Wally Goose, or visit BeMobile for tech-savvy fun and games. Get hands-on with a truckload of fun at Pella Windows & Doors’ Touch a Truck experience, meet the exterior experts at Smallwood Renovations, and learn what makes Hanover Academy such a special place for young learners. Get crafty with Macaroni Kid’s hands-on fun for families.

Need a moment to relax before you continue chugging along? The Healing Circle will be offering insights into their award-winning outpatient therapy, and Friends of the Library will have their annual children’s book sale outside the Ashland Branch Library.

Tiny Tim’s Toys & Trains at Ashland Train Day

And if you think the fun stops here, think again—some of Ashland’s best shopping and experiences are just steps away! Fin & Feather is the perfect place to stock up on pet supplies, from gourmet treats to small animals and fish, while Tiny Tim’s Toys & Trains will spark joy for every age with model trains, science kits, and games for the whole family. If you're searching for something one-of-a-kind, Changing Reins specializes in gently used equestrian gear and vintage home décor, while The Shop at 112 is a treasure trove of carefully curated antiques and collectibles. Yarn lovers will find inspiration at Center of the Yarniverse, where shelves are stocked with vibrant fibers and tools for knitting and crocheting. Meanwhile, Ashland Feed Store is bringing the farm to town with a petting zoo, alongside all the gardening and animal care essentials you could need.

For entertainment, don’t miss the train-themed movies and classic showings at Ashland Theatre, or strike a pose with dazzling light displays from Alpha-Lit at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center and Sign Gypsies at Caravati’s Architectural Salvage, a must-visit destination for historic home restoration and vintage finds. If you’re looking to add a little sparkle, Wagner Jewelers specializes in handcrafted, custom-designed pieces, including reimagined heirloom jewelry. And for those who love unique, artistic gifts, Refunkit is filled with funky, handcrafted creations from talented artists across Virginia and beyond.

Whether you're shopping, snacking, or sightseeing, this adventure through historic downtown Ashland promises something for everyone—so grab your ticket and hop aboard!

Entertainment That Keeps the Wheels Turning

This year’s lineup is a non-stop express of excitement! Head to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center lawn for a live performance by the Hanover Concert Band, and groove to your favorite hits with Center Street Sound Co at the pavilion. Over with Free Jambalaya at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, enjoy live music that will keep your feet moving all day long!

For train lovers of all ages, check out the model train displays featuring vintage locomotives, LEGO layouts, and even a classic red caboose. Then, step inside the Ashland Museum to uncover the town’s rich railroading history, and don’t miss the fully restored 1926 C&O red caboose for a journey back in time to the golden age of the railroad! Over at the Ashland Branch Library, enjoy Matthew Dodd’s storytelling and singing, plus a wooden train play area for little conductors in training.

Feeling competitive? Take part in the Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys—snap pictures at key stops to win a first-class prize! You might even spot Ashland Dance Academy performing Choo Choo Boogie through out town. For family fun, the Kid Zone sponsored by New Community Church offers bouncy houses, an obstacle course, games, and face painting. Hop aboard the Kiddie Train sponsored by Your Path Counseling Center, or get up close and personal with big rigs at RCI Builders’ Touch a Truck experience.

If you’re feeing nice, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ashland Town Hall. If you’re feeling naughty, test your wits at RED VEIN Escape, where you and your team must crack codes and solve puzzles to break free. Then, step into the supernatural with the Ashland Haunted History Tours—guided ghost walks through town featuring chilling tales and eerie encounters.

All aboard for even more fun at the Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center, located in the historic Ashland Train Station, where you can learn about all the must-see destinations, dining, and lodging in the area. And don’t miss the Blue Ridge Live Steamers & Titan Trains, where kids and adults alike can ride on miniature locomotives outside the Hanover Arts and Activities Center!

While you wait for shuttles at The Ashland Hanover Shopping Center and Ashland Junction Shopping Center, make sure you check out all the fun to be found in those brick-and-mortars—like soul food at Around The Table, freshly pressed tortillas at La Catrina Tortilleria, the luxurious amenities at XtraSuite Salon Studios, and the stunning displays at the RF&P Model Railroad Club.

Virtual Railfan: Bringing Train Day to the World

Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, Virtual Railfan has you covered! Stop by the Ashland Branch Library to meet the team behind the famous rail livestream, or join thousands of viewers from around the world by watching Ashland’s bustling tracks online.

All Aboard for a Day to Remember!

With so much to see, taste, and explore, Ashland Train Day is the ultimate destination for families, railfans, and festival-goers alike. So grab your conductor’s hat, bring your appetite, and prepare for a day of full-steam-ahead fun in the Center of the Universe!

For more details and updates, visit AshlandTrainDay.com

April Events in Downtown Ashland

Have Get Centered sent directly to your inbox each month! Sign up at AshlandVirginia.com/Newsletter

ASHLAND TRAIN DAY

The ultimate railroad celebration is back for its 21st year! Join us in historic downtown Ashland on Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM for a day filled with:
✨ Touchable trucks
🛍 Shopping & dining
🕺 Live art
🚂 Kiddie trains
🚊 Model trains
🚆 And, of course, REAL trains rolling through the heart of the action!

Sponsored by Amtrak & CSX, this is a can't-miss event for train lovers of all ages! Who’s hopping on board? 🚉👇

LEARN MORE

APRIL HAPPENINGS

🌸 April - Revival Spa Spring Specials

Spring into self-care! Enjoy 10% off an hour-long massage or indulge in a Botanical Facial with a full-body CBD treatment. 🌿 Booking is easy—just select "Spring Specials" at RevivalSpas.com.

🧶 April - Dogwood Fiber Trail

Get tangled up in fun at Center of the Yarniverse, part of the Dogwood Fiber Trail! 🌳 Discover a curated selection of yarns, fibers, tools, and exclusive patterns—plus, enjoy special giveaways! 🏆 Learn more.

📖 April Mondays - Mother Goose Storytime

It’s rhyme time! 🦢 Designed for ages 6 to 24 months and their caregivers, this nursery rhyme-filled program includes singing and reading. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

📚 April Tuesdays - Ashland Branch Library

A double dose of fun! Bring your toddler at 10:30 AM for books & music, then stick around for preschool story time at 11:30 AM! 📖 🎶 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

🤠 April 1, 6:15 PM - Line Dancing

Kick up your boots with the Boot Scooters at Ashland Branch Library! No experience needed—just bring your two left feet! 👢 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

🎨 April 1-3 - Art Display & Sculpture Workshop with Jocelyn Russell

The sculptor behind "Secretariat Racing Into History" is hosting a three-day workshop at Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Follow her on Facebook for details.

⛏️ April 3 -17 - A Minecraft Movie

A new kind of block-buster is hitting the big screen! 🎥 Craft a great night out at Ashland Theatre. Learn more.

🍕 April 4 - Pizza Night at the Caboose

Pull up for pizza right along the railroad! Plan to dine early - pizza often sells out! Learn more.

🖼️ April 4 -5 - Ashland Artists Showcase and Marketplace

Join Ashland’s favorite artists this spring! This is your chance to see and purchase your next great piece for your home or business. Learn more.

🏃‍♂️ April 5, 9 AM - Hanover Airpark 5K

The race kicks off with a Mascot Dash at 8:50 AM, followed by an official "POP" to start the 5K! 🎉 Cheer from the Fan Zone or register here.

🎭 April 7, 7 PM - Hanover’s Got Talent Auditions

Think you've got what it takes? ⭐ Audition at Hanover Arts & Activities Center for a chance to perform at Ashland Theatre! Sign up.

🏛️ April 8, 6 PM - Historical Tax Credit Consultation

Preserving history just got easier! 🏡 Learn how historical tax credits can help with renovations at Ashland Town Hall.

🩸 April 9, 10 AM - Blood Drive

Be a lifesaver! ❤️ Donate blood at Hanover County Courthouse. Schedule an appointment.

🎭 April 10, 5 PM - Theater Night in Ashland

Dine out & support local theater! 🍽️ Participating restaurants will donate to Liberty Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr.! 🕰️ Learn more.

🎞️ April 12, 10 AM - Toddler Takeover

Little ones take over Ashland Theatre for a special one-hour screening with lights on and concessions available! 🍿 Learn more.

☕ April 12, 3 PM - Tea Party

Pinkies up! ☕ Enjoy a sweet & savory tea party at Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland. Call (804) 798-8331 to reserve your seat!

🍷 April 13, 3 PM, Spring PMS Party

Paint, Massage, and Sips spell fun at XtraSuite Salon Studios! Sip seasonal wine while you learn to paint a Cherry Blossom Serenade, then kick back in a massage chair and admire your beautiful work. 🎨 Learn more.

🎬 April 14, 7 PM - The Heiress

Catch this classic 1949 film starring Olivia de Havilland & Montgomery Clift at Ashland Theatre—just $5 a ticket! 🎟️ Learn more.

📚 April 15, 7 PM - D. Randall Blythe: In Conversation

Author & musician D. Randall Blythe discusses his new book, Just Beyond the Light. 🎸📖 Presented with Fountain Bookstore at Ashland Theatre. Learn more.

📚 April 16, 7 PM -Alumni Book Club

Professor Emeritus Dr. Alphine Jefferson discusses Percival Everett’s award-winning novel, James. The novel is a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. Register to attend.

🎭 April 16-19 - "Love of Labyrinths" (World Premiere!)

A hilarious fantasy adventure with dragons, elves, wizards, & rogues—plus a persnickety rulebook! 🎲 Don’t miss Randolph Macon College’s mellifluously musical new play! Learn more.

🎀 April 19, 11 AM - Berkleytown Heritage Park Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Join the Town of Ashland and Hanover County Black Heritage Society for special remarks, community performances, food, reminiscing, and a neighborly stroll through the trail. Enjoy parking at Ashland Elementary School.

🚀 April 19, 11 AM - More than Science

NASA Solar System Ambassador Kenneth Feldt explores the emotional impact of space travel and our place in the universe. 🌌 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

🎤 April 19, 7 PM - Hanover’s Got Talent SHOW

The top 3 acts take the stage at Ashland Theatre for a chance to shine! 🌟 Learn more.

🦋 April 23, 3:30 PM - Kid’s Butterfly Program

Flutter over to Ashland Branch Library for a butterfly talk & craft with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. 🌿 Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.🎸

🎃 April 26, 7 PM - The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadow Cast

It’s halfway to Halloween! Get your tickets to the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a shadow cast and enjoy specialty cocktails, goodie bags, & movie madness at Ashland Theatre. Learn more.

🧠 April 28, 12 PM - Keeping Your Brain Active

Stay sharp! 🧩 This brain health presentation will help you keep your mind in top shape. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for details.

⚰️ April & Beyond - Manning Memorial Services CareCredit

Cover memorial costs with CareCredit, now available at Manning Memorial Services. Apply here.

CENTER STEET PITCH COMPETITION

The Center Street Pitch Competition is the friendliest version of "Shark Tank" in the Center of the Universe! Cheer on local innovators on April 10 from 6-8 PM in the historic Ashland Theatre and find out who is swims away with the $35K prize.

Learn More

ENTERPRISE EXPRESS

📅 April 7 – Ashland Community Leadership Academy
Ready to make a difference in Ashland? This six-week program, running Mondays through May 12, is designed to engage and empower community members who live, work, or volunteer in town. Spots are limited—apply today!

☕️ April 8 - Coffee and Connect
Start your day with caffeine-infused small business networking and collaboration at Dominion Energy Innovation Center. Rich roasts are generously provided by Hanover’s own Rivers Edge Coffee Co. Learn more.

💻 April 21 – Deadline for the Digital Skills, Literacy, and Device (DSLD) Program
This initiative supports programs that enhance digital skills, literacy, device access, and tech support in the community. Whether you're looking to launch or expand a program, apply now to make an impact!

RUNAWAY RAFFLES

🚆 Two Amtrak Tickets 🌎 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.Enter before April 25! 🚉💨

🎅 Santa Train Tickets 🚂
Enter for a chance to win 6 tickets to the December 2025 Ashland Santa Train sponsored by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys! Tickets include a round-trip excursion to 'Colonial Williamsburg' complete with entertainment and cocoa with Santa and his friends. Enter before October 2025. ❄️🎄

ENTER

GOOD NEIGHBORS

Free events like Ashland Train Day are only possible thanks to YOUR support. Help us continue to plan free family-friendly fun and build a vibrant future in Downtown Ashland when you make a tax-deductible donation.

Have Get Centered sent directly to your inbox each month! Sign up at AshlandVirginia.com/Newsletter

Share

Train Day Packs Big Volunteer Perks

Every year, Ashland Train Day’s locomotive celebration brings thousands of visitors from around the world to the Center of the Universe. But behind every whistle and wave, there’s a team of over 100 dedicated volunteers keeping things chugging along. Saturday, April 26, is your chance to hop on board!

Volunteering at Ashland Train Day isn’t just about lending a hand—it’s about hoping a board community spirt. Whether you’re handing out maps, supporting artists and entrepreneurs, or making sure every guest has a smooth ride through the festivities, your efforts help create the magic that makes Train Day unforgettable. Plus, volunteering with Downtown Ashland Association, a Main Street America-accredited nonprofit, means your hours count toward community service. You’ll even receive a digital, printable service sheet to turn in, complete with a signature from the friendly volunteer coordinator at headquarters.

And speaking of headquarters, there’s a first-class stop just for you! The Dominion Energy Innovation Center, normally home to entrepreneurs shaping a net-zero future (and the Downtown Ashland Association’s offices), transforms into Volunteer Headquarters for the day, thanks to the generous support of Wawa and Jersey Mike’s. Need a pick-me-up before your shift? Ashland’s Wawa, stationed at 100 N. Washington Hwy, will keep volunteers and first responders fueled with coffee, water, and breakfast treats. Swing by their booth on Robinson Street for snacks, smiles, and a high-five from Wally Goose himself. By lunchtime, Ashland’s own Jersey Mike’s (708 England Street) will be stacking Volunteer Headquarters with fresh subs to keep you rolling.

Of course, no great journey is complete without a few delicious detours! Volunteers can enjoy tokens for treats from some of Ashland’s finest eateries and food trucks. Whether you’re craving a homemade sandwich from the beloved Homemades by Suzanne, watching the artistry of Monique’s Crêpes as she crafts delicate French delights, or indulging in the legendary flavors of Strawberry Street Catering, there’s something for every palate. Auntie Alice’s Kettle Corn, Hungry Hungry Arrow’s frybread and Indian tacos, and more will keep the energy high as you make your way through the festival.

Beyond the food and fun, Train Day volunteers receive a special token of appreciation—a limited-edition Ashland Train Day shirt, designed by Geoff Stone and printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland. These coveted cotton tees are only available online, making volunteering your best ticket to scoring one of these exclusive designs.

Community groups are also getting on board in a big way! ARC of Hanover will be bringing their Thrift Store from Glen Allen to their booth on Robinson Street, advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. St. Ann’s Knights of Columbus will be working hard behind the scenes to keep Ashland spotless—ensuring our beloved festival is as clean as a freshly polished Amtrak train car. And New Community Church is stepping up in a big way, with over 60 volunteers keeping the Kid Zone on track with bounce houses, obstacle courses, face painting, games, and family-friendly fun in the Ashland Branch Library parking lot on 201 S Railroad Ave.

Supporting our first responders is more important than ever. While the Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad recovers from the fire that displaced them in February, Ashland’s CareNow Urgent Care is stepping in to provide world-class First Aid support—and a bit of fun—at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center. Meanwhile, Ashland’s Police Department will be working tirelessly to keep Train Day safe and welcoming for all. Want to show your appreciation? You can support the Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad by signing up for their meal train and helping provide a warm meal or comfort item during their time of need.

Ready to jump on board? Sign up today to be part of the action at AshlandTrainDay.com. Whether you’re handing out prizes, assisting visitors, or just bringing your best enthusiasm, there’s a role for everyone. And if you live or work along the event route, don’t forget to set out your County Waste trash and recycling bins a day early—it’s a simple way to show your community spirit and keep Ashland looking its best for over 20,000 attendees.

So, what do you say? Let’s keep Ashland Train Day running full steam ahead—one volunteer at a time!

Pitch Competition Finalists Announced

2024 winner Meadowgate Alpacas receiving their Center Street Pitch Competition prize.

The friendliest Shark Tank in the Center of the Universe is back for its 11th year! On April 10, 2025, the Dominion Energy Innovation Center and Downtown Ashland Association will once again throw open the doors of the historic Ashland Theatre for the Center Street Pitch Competition, where bold entrepreneurs will dive into the opportunity to reel in a share of $35,000 in cash and prizes.

“Innovation isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about having the courage to bring it to life,” said Downtown Ashland Association Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller. “The Center Street Pitch Competition is about giving passionate entrepreneurs the chance to turn their visions into reality.”

Center Street Pitch Competition Maggie Beal Longest, Heather Lyne, Dr. Berina Yerkic-Husejnovic, Rachel Shupe, and Tammy Proffit

This year’s panel of seasoned judges brings a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for fostering innovation. Heather Lyne, an award-winning community and economic development leader, has spearheaded transformative projects in Virginia, Colorado, and beyond. A proponent of asset-based community development, she champions the philosophy of building on "what’s strong" rather than "what’s wrong." Dr. Berina Yerkic-Husejnovic, a distinguished professor at Randolph-Macon College and a seasoned industry expert, holds multiple degrees in engineering, business, and foreign languages, along with 35 patents and extensive leadership experience in corporate project management. They are joined by Maggie Beal Longest, Deputy Secretary of Commerce & Trade for the Virginia Office of the Governor; Rachel Shupe, Senior Relationship Manager and Intern Coordinator at Colonial Farm Credit; and Tammy Profitt, a dedicated small business advocate. Together, these accomplished professionals will evaluate each pitch and provide invaluable feedback to the finalists.

The competition spans three categories, each featuring a trio of ambitious business leaders ready to make waves:

Center of the Universe finalists Monique’s Crepes , Ash & Olive, and Free Jambalaya Studios

Center of the Universe: Local Talent, Global Ambitions

This category shines a light on the best and brightest of Ashland’s business community. Ash & Olive offers a flame-to-table dining experience that blends artisanal quality with small-town hospitality; Free Jambalaya Studios is a powerhouse of artistic innovation, producing music, theater, and multimedia content; and Monique’s Crepes delivers a taste of France from a mobile kitchen, bringing sweet and savory delights to public and private events alike.

Agriculture & Forestry: Planting the Seeds of Success

Rooted in innovation, this category highlights entrepreneurs cultivating change in agriculture and forestry. Finalists include Davis Natives, a company committed to preserving Virginia’s indigenous plant genetics to enhance ecosystem resilience; Breemar Flower Farm, a micro-farm specializing in sustainable, high-quality cut flowers; Rhythm Ranch Homestead an agritourism farm educating visitors in sustainable living, and Power Up Productions, a creative media company dedicated to telling the stories of Virginia’s farming and culinary communities.

Hanover and Beyond: Expanding the Horizon

Agriculture & Forestry finalists Davis Natives, Rhythm Ranch Homestead, Breemar Flower Farm, and Power Up Productions

With the potential to impact communities far and wide, these finalists are proving that big ideas know no boundaries. Haven House Florals fosters community connection through floral arrangements and gifts that spread kindness; Revival Spa reimagines wellness spaces with an emphasis on accessibility and holistic care; and T.Lo Noticias e Informacion provides vital resources to Latino families across the U.S., breaking language barriers and opening doors to opportunity.

For many of these entrepreneurs, the competition represents more than just financial support—it’s a stepping stone toward making a lasting impact. Nicole Dillon, founder of Breemar Flower Farm, sees it as a way to shift how people think about flowers. “80% of flowers are imported, which means that during major holidays like Valentine’s Day, local options are scarce,” she explains. “With funding, I can build a walk-in cooler and a hydroponic growing space, ensuring fresh, locally grown flowers are available nearly year-round.”

Hanover and Beyond finalists Haven House Florals, Revival Spa, T.Lo Noticias e Informacion

For Lindsey of Revival Spa, the opportunity is about more than business—it’s about reshaping how people approach self-care. “I want to create a space where everyone feels truly welcome, no matter their background or abilities,” she shares. “Winning this competition would allow me to expand services and make wellness more accessible for all.”

Beyond the funding and prestige, the Center Street Pitch Competition is a celebration of ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Whether they sink or swim, every finalist is taking a bold step forward—and the community is invited to witness it all unfold.

Join us at Ashland Theatre on April 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to cheer on these rising stars, meet the judges, and see firsthand who will reel in the ultimate prize. One thing is certain—these entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to test the waters.