All aboard 19th annual Ashland Train Day

Contributed Report

The 19th annual family-friendly free street festival returns to the “Center of the Universe” on Saturday, April 29, from 10am to 4pm! Ashland, Virginia’s railroad attractions, local businesses, arts and culture will be featured in the event hosted by Downtown Ashland Association and sponsored by the freshly renovated Trackside Kitchen & Wine.

What to Expect

The center of downtown Ashland transforms for this street festival and railfan extravaganza celebrating trains! Find the map online at ashlandtrainday.com.

Free Parking

Parking areas are located at Ashland Hanover Shopping Center (251 N. Washington Hwy) and Ashland-Junction Shopping Center (167 Junction Drive) and First Baptist Church, (800 Thompson Street.) Free buses and trolleys carry participants from satellite parking areas to the event. Thanks to the generous support of Trackside Kitchen & Wine.

Locomotives

Twelve fully-loaded CSX freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains will pass through the center of the event. Be sure to stop by Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center inside the train station for more information.

Model Trains

Model trains of all gauges will be on display in five locations, including Lego and

Brio trains! Plus, a restored red caboose is open for tours at the Ashland Museum.

Kid Zone

The Kid Zone, sponsored by our friends at New Community Church, offers a world of fun with two bouncy houses, an obstacle course, and games located behind the Ashland Library.

Touch-A-Truck

The Touch-A-Truck area hosted by RCI Builders will thrill gearheads of all ages with its display of heavy equipment, a fire truck and ambulance, dump trucks, and tractors on England Street.

Kiddie Train Rides

Two kiddie train rides by PlayRVA invite families to tour the festivities. All aboard!

Scavenger Hunt

Ashland Train Day offers a 16-stop scavenger hunt for participants of all ages. Stop by any Information Tent to pick up your ticket and return it completed for a prize provided

by Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys!

Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park

Pose with our train-themed photo frames while you learn more about the Mid-Atlantic Roadroad Park–Ashland’s own self-guided walking tour being built this year. Show your support at ashlandvirginia.com/ railroad.

Volunteers

Thanks to Wawa for sponsoring Volunteer Headquarters and providing lunch for all of our first responders and volunteers! More than 200 community volunteers make the event possible, along with police, fire, and paramedics to keep everyone safe.

Food, Drinks, & Shops

Roads are closed to traffic, and streets are lined with shops, vendors, and exhibits for you to enjoy. Enjoy local restaurants and eateries, food trucks, and concessions! You’ll find outdoor dining at Ashland Meat Company, Trackside Kitchen & Wine, and FoodiO. Plus, spring festivities at Ashland Feed Store and free popcorn at Ashland Theatre!

Ashland Train Day Merchandise

Stand out from the crowd in your 2023 Ashland Train Day T-shirt! Visit Downtown Ashland Association’s central Info Tent at the intersection of Route 54 and Railroad Avenue on April 29 to snag your adult and youth t-shirts, designed by Ashland’s Geoff Stone and printed by We Think in Ink.

Downtown Ashland Association Welcomes You to Ashland Train Day ashlandtrainday.com

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 10am-4pm

Enjoy Free Shuttle Rides to Train Day Events.

Free public parking locations with shuttles to the event:

Green Parking Area (East)

Ashland-Junction Shopping Center

167 Junction Drive, Ashland VA 23005

• ADA accessible shuttle available

Pink Parking Area (East)

Ashland Hanover Shopping Center

251 N. Washington Hwy, Ashland VA 23005

• ADA accessible shuttle available

Red Parking Area (West)

First Baptist Church Ashland

800 Thompson St, Ashland VA 23005

• Historic trolley is not ADA accessible

TRAIN DAY T-SHIRTS

Commemorative t-shirts for kids and adults on sale at Downtown Ashland Association booth on Railroad Avenue.

Highlights

Wave to Trains! CSX and Amtrak pass through the center of Railroad Avenue. Caravati’s

Touch-A-Truck

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Free buses and trolleys carry participants from Green, Pink and Red satellite parking areas to the event. Thanks to our presenting sponsor –Trackside Kitchen & Wine –for keeping this service free!

Ashland Train Day Map Key

nformation

Restrooms

Shuttle Stops

First Aid

Pedestrian Areas

Volunteer Center

Model Trains

Kids Activities

Kiddie Trains

Arts & Culture

Touch-A-Truck & Vintage Cars

ARTS & CULTURE

Model Trains

Food & Drink Food Court

Shopping Vendors

Hanover Concert Band – 11 am – 500 S. Center St. (The Center, lawn)

Ashland Museum – 105 Hanover Ave.

Ashland Theatre – 205 England St.

Ashland Train Station – 112 N. Railroad Ave.

Center Street Sound Company – Ashland Town Hall lawn, 121 Thompson St

Jim Duckett Music – 112 N. Railroad Ave.

RED VEIN Escape – 108 Robinson St.

Storyteller Matthew Dodd – Ashland Library, 201 S. Railroad Ave.

The Hanover County Black Heritage Society –

The Henry Clay Inn, 112 N. Railroad Ave.

Ashland Dance Academy –110 Thompson St. Ashland Library – 201 S. Railroad Ave.

Ashland Train Station – 112 N. Railroad Ave.

Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad – 203 Duncan St. The Depot – 107 S. Railroad Ave.

Hanover Arts & Activities Center (The Center) – 500 S. Center St.

Ashland-Hanover Shopping Center –pink parking