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By Lorie Foley
 Throughout the year, in true Ashland fashion, the town has been celebrating its “Sesquicentennial,” recognizing the date, in 1858, when the Virginia General Assembly adopted legislation incorporating the Town of Ashland. The official date of the incorporation was February 19, 2008. And while we’ve enjoyed the year-long commemoration, it’s now time to celebrate this occasion in grand style!
Ashland’s Grand Birthday Celebration, slated for Saturday, October 18, is a free, family-friendly event. The Celebration, which will take place come rain or shine, will be held at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.
The festivities kick-off at 12:30 PM with the All-Hanover County Schools Marching Band on Day Football Field. The Opening Ceremony continues at 1:00pm with special guest speakers, the unveiling of the birthday cake sculpture and time capsule, and music, along with special birthday wishes. After that, everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy cake by the fountain.
Below is a list of some of the highlights of the Grand Celebration. For a full schedule and for addititional information, visit: www.Ashland150.com.
Opening Ceremonies
(12:30pm on Day Football Field)
12:30pm – All-Hanover County Marching Band performs
1:00pm
• Patrick Henry ROTC Color Guard
• Kelly West, Hanover Idol 2008 sings the “National Anthem”
• Children’s Chorus led by Music Teacher, Susan Winckler
• Singing of our town song, “Ashland, Ashland”
• Special Guest Speakers including Honorary Chairs—Mayor Faye Prichard and President of Randolph-Macon College, Robert Lindgren
• Introduction of Special Guests
• Randolph-Macon College Choir presentation led by Chris Ryder
• Time Capsule Presentation
• Dedication of the Birthday Cake Sculpture by Hanover County Schools’ art students and teachers
• Presentation of the special Ukrops’ cake
• “Happy Birthday” introduced and led by Michael Shannon and the All-Hanover County Marching Band
2:00pm – Enjoy 150 birthday cakes by the Fountain
Exhibition Hall
(2:00pm – 5:30pm at Crenshaw Gym)
Antique Assessments: Do you own a small treasure and would like to know more about it? Come to the Exhibition Hall on October 18th for a FREE assessment! Assessments will be provided by three Ashland antique experts – Patti Loughridge, Sumpter Priddy, III, and Mary Beth Rabung.
There will also be an assortment of displays and presentations including, but not limited to, photographs, video, power point presentations, and more. On stage at the Exhibition Hall, the following groups are slated to perform:
• Neighborhood Singers
• Dramatic Presentation of Ashland's history as told through the eyes of children and adults. Written and Directed by Barclay DuPriest.
• MasterWorks Chorale led by Duncan Memorial Church Music Director, William Gorton.
Concert Stage Schedule
(2:00pm – 5:30pm by the Fountain)
2:00pm – God Fearin’ Snakehandlers
Did you know that our Town is loaded with talent? Even our own Town Manager, Charles Hartgrove can sing and play the mandolin!
2:30pm – Hanover Idol and Hanover Junior Idol Kelly West and Ryan Gary.
2:40pm—Ashland Community Chorus—led by Shiloh Baptist’s Lenora Davis.
3:00pm – The Workman Twins and special guest Ginger Stanley.
Remember Sunshine Sue and the WRVA Old Dominion Barn Dance? Ginger Stanley, Sunshine Sue’s daughter, will join Dick and Don Workman (nephews of John and Sue Workman) for a trip down memory lane.
3:45pm – Ashland Musical Variety Show Medley.
Join some of your favorite Ashland stars as they do a rockin’ medley from the Ashland Musical Variety Show, led by Carter Flippo’s Ashland Musical Variety Show band.
4:45pm – Special Edition Band.
Join us as we dance to Motown Music with Special Edition!
Children’s Activities
(2:00pm – 5:00pm on the grounds of Randolph-Macon College)
There are many activities planned for the Children’s Area, including:
• Cake walks, face painting, carnival games, etc.
• Play hoops with the RMC Girls Basketball team!
• Make crazy party hats!
• Enjoy Deborah Feldman from “Balloon Entertainment" as she makes your wildest balloon creations.
If you would like to participate in a large or small way, please let TEAM 150 know! If you would like to volunteer to be on a committee, please contact Charles Hartgrove, Town Manager at 798-9219, or Rob Stiles, TEAM 150 President, at 798-6611.
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