2008 Calendar of Events
january
January 15, 2008 - Randolph-Macon College honors Dr. King on his birthday. Keynote speaker is Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. Music by R-MC’s Yjima Gospel Choir. Special presentation to Wyatt T. Walker, free. Blackwell Auditorium, 12 noon.
february
February 8 and 9, 2008 - Black History in Story & Song. Mr. Jerome Bridges will provide stories about slavery in the period prior to the Civil War and stories from the heroic Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. Accompanying Mr. Bridges with spirituals and gospel songs from these historic periods will be the George Crawford Memorial Choir from the Providence Park Baptist Church and a Community Chorus including over fifty voices from local church choirs. The Traveling Jubilee Gospel Singers will provide spirited gospels prior to each part of the performance, free. Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC (7:30pm). (804) 798-9721. Sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center and AARP.
February 16, 2008 - "Chocolate Lovers Party" at First Baptist Church. Photographic displays of marriages that have taken place in the church during the last 150 years. Special feature - singing of wedding songs by a talented vocalist.
February 17, 2008 - Hanover Idols Competition at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center (6:30pm)
February 19, 2008 - Anniversary of actual Incorporation (Ashland Town Council Meeting)
February 20-23: Baby with the Bathwater by Christopher Durang (drama) - Two truly clueless parents blithely raises their son as a girl, putting him in skirts and naming him Daisy. In a series of brilliantly theatrical and wildly hilarious scenes, the saga of Daisy’s struggle to establish his identity continues, despite all obstacles, in this comedy. This drama presentation begins at 8:00pm in the Cobb Theatre, R-MC Center for the Performing Arts. Admission: $5 per person.
February 23, 2008 - Ashland Black History Month Celebration. Join friends and family in a celebration of the contributions of African Americans to the Ashland/Hanover community. Gandy Elementary School cafeteria, free, 7:00pm. Back by popular demand! Come see the Community Choir lead by Lenora Davis from Shiloh Baptist Church. Sponsored by the Town of Ashland.
march
March 2, 2008 - Bach Festival: Richmond Symphony Orchestra at Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC (3:00pm). The Richmond Symphony Orchestra returns under the direction of Associate Conductor Erin Freeman. In this second installment of the Bach Festival series – Turn Bach the Clock – Freeman will guide the musicians through works by Bach, including Cantata No. 4: Christ in lag Todesbanden, as well as Haydn’s Symphony No. 101: The Clock. Admission at the door: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors, $10 for children and $5 for students with valid college ID. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
March 15, 2008 - 30th Running of the Ashland Railroad Run. This event is open to both leisurely walkers and serious runners; the 5K walk and 10K run along the railroad tracks are capped off by a music and food filled celebration on the Hanover Arts & Activities Center lawn, $. 9:00am Sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.
March 15, 2008 - R-MC Dance Marathon. R-MC students are gearing up to boogey down! Since R-MC began the Dance Marathon tradition in 2002, the college has raised more than $125,000 for various Richmond-area Children’s Miracle Network facilities. This year, students will dance the day away again for this great cause and everyone in the community is invited to join in on the fun and games. Families with children are especially encouraged to attend. All donations will be accepted and appreciated. The Dance Marathon will be held in the Brock Center from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
March 27, 2008 - 150th Tree Planting Ceremony. Celebrate the 150th Anniversary by planting a tree, free. First Baptist Church, after the 11:00am service. (804) 798-9014. Sponsored by the First Baptist Church.
april
April 15, 2008 - Ashland's Police Department is the smallest law enforcement agency in Virginia to become fully accredited. Please plan to join them in celebrating this wonderful honor. 5:30pm at the Ashland Police Department. A presentation to Town Council will follow at the Town Hall at 7:00pm.
April 19, 2008 - Hanover County Schools Arts & Science Festival at Hanover High School
April 19, 2008 - “Just Off the Tracks.” Visit six properties in Ashland during the Garden Club of Virginia's Historic Garden Week, $. College Avenue, 10:00am-5:00pm.
April 19, 2008 - "Donor Appreciation Day" sponsored by the Retail Merchants Association and the Donate Life Partnership to save lives in Virginia. One organ donor can save 7 lives, restore sight to two people and help many others. Market Ashland Partnership businesses and retailers will have Donate Life volunteers available at their stores during the hours of 10am-4pm.
April 26, 2008 - Arbor Day Celebration and Ma-con a Difference Day. Arbor Day ceremony 9-10:00am, Town Hall. Join us to plant the Town Tree. Refreshments, kids activities and tree information. We'll also kick off PLANT150 - our effort to plant 150 trees in Ashland to honor our 150th Anniversary!
April 26, 2008 - Relay for Life. Noon. Patrick Henry High School.
April 26, 2008 - Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale Spring Concert. Led by William Gorton. This concert will feature Schubert’s Mass in G, Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer¸ and other wonderful selections appropriate to the season, $. Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 8:00pm. (804) 368-7276. For news and ticket information, visit www.cvamc.org.
April 30, 2008 - A Taste of Hanover. 6:00-9:00pm at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Hanover Arc and the Hanover Community Support Services are two private non-profits joining together to sponsor A Taste of Hanover to benefit people with disabilities. $30.00/Adults, $10/5-12 years, free for children under 5. caterers, chefs & restaurants, fabulous gifts and live music & entertainment.
may
May 1, 2008 - Have you called Ashland "home" for more than 50 years? Come to the R-MC football field for a photo. 6:00pm. Rain date is May 8.
May 4, 2008 - Randolph-Macon College Spring Choral Concert. Swing into spring as the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Jazz Vocal Ensemble perform their Spring Choral Concert: Poetry in Song. R-MC’s finest voices will bring to life works from some of the world’s most well-known poets, free. Blackwell Auditorium, 2:00pm.
May 4, 2008 - High Tea in Hanover benefiting the Hilliard House (a homeless shelter for women and children) at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. 1:30-4:00pm at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Fashion and High Tea from 1858 and 2008! Beautiful Spring flowers and Spring fashions, choices of tea and assorted tea sandwiches and deserts. Great Mother's Day tradition! Great way to celebrate Ashland's 150! Tickets: $15 adult/ $5.00 under 12.
May 10, 2008 -
The Ashland 150 Clunker Cruise.
Bicycle Cruise around Ashland; meet at Cobblestone Bicycles (102
South Railroad Ave). If you have an old or unique bicycle, please bring it!
5:00pm.
May 11, 2008 - Bach Festival: Richmond Symphony Orchestra. In this final installment of the Bach Festival series, Bach to Bach, concertmaster Karen Johnson and special guest and violin prodigy, 13-year-old Madison Vest, will treat concertgoers to Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins as well as his Orchestral Suite No. 3, and also arrangements by Schoenberg and Villa-Lobos, $. Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC, 3:00pm.
May 11, 2008 - Mother's Day
May 15, 2008 - Hanover County Volunteer’s Picnic
May 17, 2008 - Spring into Summer Plaza Street Party Family fun. Come party away the evening in the “Center of the Universe.” Games for the kids, food, beverages and dancin’ in the street, $. Richard S. Gillis Library, 6:30pm-10:00pm.
May 31, 2008 - Randolph-Macon College Graduation
june
June 7, 2008 - 26th Annual Ashland Strawberry Faire. Enjoy fresh picked strawberries, or enjoy them in one of the delicious recipes cooked up by the food vendors. Strawberry shortcake, hundreds of booths, arts and crafts, and entertainment, free. Randolph Macon College, 9:00am–5:00pm.
June 14, 2008 - Hanover County High School Graduations
June 28, 2008 - AKA Centennial Walk to promote emotional, spiritual, and physical health while honoring the 100 years of service provided by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Walk starts at 11:00am (Registration starts --10:00am). Walk starts at Randolph-Macon College's Blackwell Auditorium. Walk Length: Total ~2 miles (along Railroad Ave--to the trail--and return to Blackwell). Parking on the Street & behind Blackwell Auditorium.
july
July 4, 2008 - 4th of July Parade. You are welcome to join in or watch our non-motorized patriotic. July 4th walking parade from the corner of Henry Clay Road and Railroad Avenue, just north of the Henry Clay Inn, to the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Celebrate our country’s birthday on the lawn at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center with an apple pie baking contest, used book sale and patriotic melodies by Hanover Concert Band. Bring a picnic lunch or buy delicious food, free. 11:00am. Sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.
July 5, 2008 - 29th Annual Hanover Tomato Festival & Heritage Fair. Celebration honoring Hanover’s finest fruit and its heritage! Find the renowned tomato for purchase fresh from the field or in a variety of recipes waiting for you to sample. Enjoy more than 100 arts and craft vendors, a variety of entertainment, an assortment of children’s activities, and exhibits on the history of the Hanover tomato. Discover Hanover’s heritage from displays and demonstrations such as the Native American Heritage Demonstration, free. Pole Green Park, 8:30am–4:00pm. www.co.hanover.va.us/parksrec/
July 19, 2008 - Midsummer’s Night Plaza Street Party. Party family fun. Come party away the evening in the “Center of the Universe.” Games for the kids, food, beverages and dancin’ in the street, $. Richard S. Gillis Library, 6:30pm-10:00pm. Sponsored by Ashland Street Parties.
July 27, 2008 - Bluemont Concert. Sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.
august
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 2008 - Bluemont Concerts. Sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.
August 15, 16 and 17 - The Wizard of Oz sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Come see local talent in Ashland! Performances on Friday, August 15 at 6:30pm; Saturday, August 16 at 1:00pm and 6:30pm; and Sunday, August 17 at 1:00pm. Doors open 1/2 hour before performances. Tickets available at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center starting August 11 from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
August 20, 2008 - “Old fashioned afternoon ice cream social” at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Sponsored by the First Baptist Church. Includes rides in antique cars down South Center Street to the corner of Racecourse and James St. to the sight of the first Baptist parsonage and then back to the Hanover Arts & Activities (the original First Baptist Church). Free.
August 23, 2008 - Patrick Henry Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile race starts and finishes in Poor Farm Park in Hanover County traversing both rolling countryside and Ashland’s scenic railroad district, $. Poor Farm Park, 7:00am.
August 30, 2008 - Faith, Hope & Victory’s Summer’s End Celebration This celebration includes a cook-out, preaching, entertainment, games for children, school supplies, clothes, toys and food to be given away to those in need in Ashland and the surrounding areas, free. Corner of Arlington & S. Taylor Streets, 10:00am–4:00pm.
september
September 13-14, 2008 - Heart of Virginia Bike Festival. Century and Metric 100 bike ride through Hanover County. Event benefits Hanover Mental Health Association and Richmond Area Bicycling Association, $. Hanover Arts & Activities Center, riders leave at 7:00am.
September 20, 2008 - 2nd Annual Tiger Trot. 5k Benefiting the Gandy and Henry Clay Elementary School PTA’s, $. Henry Clay Elementary School, 9:00am. Check www.townhound.com for more information.
September 13, 2008 - The Henry Clay High School 50th Class Reunion.
September 20, 2008 - Summer’s End Plaza Street Party. Family fun. Come party away the evening in the “Center of the Universe.” Games for the kids, food, beverages and dancin’ in the street, $. Richard S. Gillis Library, 6:30pm–10:00pm. Sponsored by Ashland Street Parties.
September 27, 2008 - Slay the Dragon 5K
october
October 12, 2008 - “Annual homecoming event” at First Baptist Church after the 11:00am service. This will include a guest speaker, luncheon, and special program.
October 18, 2008 - Ashland 150 Grand Celebration. An old-fashioned birthday celebration complete with an official ceremony, marching bands, time capsules, 150 birthday cakes, a music stage, children's activities, an exhibition tent and more! Randolph-Macon College campus. Starts at 12:30pm. Free.
October 23, 2008 - Capitol Steps at Randolph-Macon College. Enjoy a show by this nationally known comedic group, $. Crenshaw Gymnasium, Randolph-Macon College.
October 25, 2008 - Ashland Harvest Run. The 5th Annual Ashland Harvest Run, a 10Krun/5KRun/Walk. This certified 10K race course (#VA04034RT) and pending 5K course is completely on the east side of the railroad tacks beginning and ending at Carter Park, located on Maple Street near the intersection of Ashcake Road. Benefiting ACES and the St. James the Less Free Clinic, $. Carter Park, 9:00 a.m.
October 24-25, 2008 - Randolph-Macon College Homecoming Weekend.
november
November 8, 2008 - 6th Annual Train Day Celebration. Celebration of the Town’s railroad heritage. Trolley rides, stores and music, free. Downtown Ashland, along the railroad tracks, 10:00am–4:00pm. www.traintowntoyandhobby.com.
November 23, 2008 - Ashland Olde Time Holiday Parade. Start your holiday season with some hometown merriment. The Parade starts at Thompson Street and ends at John Gandy Elementary School. Organized by the Ashland Kiwanis Club, free. Route 54 & Henry Street, 2:30pm.
december
December 7, 2008 - Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale Holiday Concert. This acclaimed event will feature Bach’s Magnificat and other wonderful selections to put you in the holiday spirit. William Gorton conducts, with players from the Richmond Symphony, $ Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, two performances: 2:30 and 7:00pm. (804) 368-7276. For news and ticket information, visit www.cvamc.org.
December 13, 2008 -Santa Train. Holiday fun and a train ride too. Bring the kids for a train ride, games and holiday fun with Santa. Tickets sold in advance, $. Leaves from the Ashland Train Station, 9:00am–6:30pm. www.traintowntoyandhobby.com.
and beyond...
March 19, 20 and 21, 2009 - Ashland Musical Variety Show sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center at Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC