A small town puts big heart into its events: Even amid a crowd, the sense of community will shine through
March 24, 2006 (Gary Robertson, Richmond Times Dispatch)
For many who don't know Ashland, it's just a whistle stop on the railroad.
But for those who live there, it's a little community knitted together by sidewalks, the common interests of small-town life and a series of parades, festivals and get-togethers.
Mary Claire Coster is one of the dabs of glue holding the community together.
Over more than 20 years, she has helped coordinate the Ashland Strawberry Faire. It is held every June, usually the first Saturday, and this year will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
"People like that small-town kind of feeling when you have events like this," she said. "It's so much fun seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, people who have moved away and come back for the fair."
Volunteers such as Coster work all year to be sure the vendors, bands, dance groups, craftsmen and others are in place at the right time.
The fair usually draws 15,000 to 20,000 people, and they come fair weather or foul. "Even in pouring rain, we've had 5,000 or more," Coster said.
Sue Watson, chairwoman of the Hanover County School Board, has done more than her share of community building as director and producer of the Ashland Musical Variety Show, held semiannually.
A cast of 300 usually is required to put on the variety show, which enlists the talents and time of townspeople and others across the Hanover area.
Singing, dancing and rehearsing together for weeks at a time provides a timeless bond, Watson said.
The annual Ashland/Hanover Olde Time Parade is a low-key salute to the Christmas season. Instead of celebrities, locals become the grand marshals.
Last year, Watson was a grand marshal, and it gave her a different perspective on the event as she rode through town in a convertible.
All along the route, Watson said, "it was a long-running conversation" as spectators shouted greetings and comments to parade participants.
On Independence Day, the town holds its Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, which includes a nonmotorized parade of bikes, strollers, pets and people.
One group always marches with lawn chairs, signaling the laid- back nature of Independence Day in a small town.
-- Contact staff writer Gary Robertson at grobertson@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6346.
MEMO: SPECIAL SECTION: EXPLORING ASHLAND
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO
Credit: Times-Dispatch Staff Writer