What started out as a children’s theme day at a local library has turned into an annual event -- Ashland Train Day is held the second Saturday every November.
Festivities will be held on November 13, 2010 at several locations in this town just 15 miles north of Richmond including the Ashland Library where it all started. Children can ride a miniature train around the library and free cookies and cider will be served. The festival runs from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
Railroad folk music will provide the background for a day of fun. Visitors can enjoy wooden, lego and electric model trains set up at various locations along with the real deal -- CSX and Amtrak trains – which will be there all day near Ashland’s 1920’s train station in historic downtown. There is a Visitor’s Center there which makes it a good place to start.
Children can jump on a locomotive moon bounce, and adults can enjoy organizational displays with lots of railroad memorabilia. Event mascots, the engineer bears, will mix with visitors, many of whom dress for the occasion.
Other locations housing the event are the Hanover Arts and Activity Center, Ashland Coffee and Tea, the Henry Clay Inn and the courtyard of the Ashland-Hanover Shopping Center.
There is parking near the library and satellite parking at the shopping center and Ashland Town Center where trolleys will be available to transport people to and from the various locations ($2 teens and adults, children free). The event itself is free.
Ashland Train Day is sponsored by the Town of Ashland, Friends of the Ashland Library, the Ashland Police Department, and Train Town Toy and Hobby.
