According to Louise Keeton, director of operations for the Downtown Ashland Association, everything is on track for another fun-filled Ashland Train Day – the 22nd anniversary, by the way. This year, the celebration of all things railroad will be held throughout Ashland’s quaint, picturesque downtown on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“Ashland was built around the tracks,” says Keeton, “it only makes sense to have an entire celebration of the industry that created this town.”
So, what are some of the attractions scheduled for this year’s festivities? For starters, Keeton says the food court will be centralized in the Downtown Municipal Parking Lot and will feature the nation’s longest Railroad Mural by Ed Trask. Enjoy the artwork while feasting on mouthwatering flavors from such vendors as Strawberry Street, Wild Bill’s Sodas, and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. Cool off with local favorites like Farmview Creamery and Good Vices Ices.
Kids of all ages can “Touch a Truck” including fire trucks, dump trucks, and even the big rigs. The popular Kid Zone will be back and will feature two (count-em. Two!) bounce houses.
Head on over to the Ashland Town Hall and shop for railroad memorabilia and other local arts and crafts . Food and business vendors will be located along South Railroad Avenue, and will be taking up the whole Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn, as well.
Of course, what’s a Train Day without trains? Model train enthusiasts will be delighted to see everything from mini locomotives to racing railcars. There will be model trains of every size and style, including Lego layouts, vintage railroad equipment, and, of course, a classic red caboose!
Once again, Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys will be sponsoring their fun scavenger hunt, which includes a chance to win prizes.
A variety of entertainment will be offered at several locations throughout downtown. The Hanover Concert Band will be making music on the Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn at 11 a.m. while Center Street Sound Company keeps family-friendly favorites blasting from the Town Hall Pavilion Stage. Ashland Dance Academy will be touring their Choo Choo Boogie all around town, making a special dance appearance in front of the Virtual Railfan cameras, which will allow Train Day fans around the world to enjoy the day Center of the Universe style.
And while free shuttlebus service will be offered from designated parking lots, wouldn’t it be super fun to roll into town on a train? Amtrak is offering Train Day specials. Visit Amtrak.com for details.
“We are always trying to bring more ways for people to experience what it means to be a train town,” Keeton says. Make your plans now to get on board for Ashland Train Day 2026!
For more information including links to Amtrak and the Virtual Railfans Cam, visit online at AshlandTrainDay.com.
According to Louise Keeton, director of operations for the Downtown Ashland Association, everything is on track for another fun-filled Ashland Train Day – the 22nd anniversary, by the way. This year, the celebration of all things railroad will be held throughout Ashland’s quaint, picturesque downtown on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“Ashland was built around the tracks,” says Keeton, “it only makes sense to have an entire celebration of the industry that created this town.”
So, what are some of the attractions scheduled for this year’s festivities? For starters, Keeton says the food court will be centralized in the Downtown Municipal Parking Lot and will feature the nation’s longest Railroad Mural by Ed Trask. Enjoy the artwork while feasting on mouthwatering flavors from such vendors as Strawberry Street, Wild Bill’s Sodas, and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. Cool off with local favorites like Farmview Creamery and Good Vices Ices.
Kids of all ages can “Touch a Truck” including fire trucks, dump trucks, and even the big rigs. The popular Kid Zone will be back and will feature two (count-em. Two!) bounce houses.
Head on over to the Ashland Town Hall and shop for railroad memorabilia and other local arts and crafts . Food and business vendors will be located along South Railroad Avenue, and will be taking up the whole Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn, as well.
Of course, what’s a Train Day without trains? Model train enthusiasts will be delighted to see everything from mini locomotives to racing railcars. There will be model trains of every size and style, including Lego layouts, vintage railroad equipment, and, of course, a classic red caboose!
Once again, Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys will be sponsoring their fun scavenger hunt, which includes a chance to win prizes.
A variety of entertainment will be offered at several locations throughout downtown. The Hanover Concert Band will be making music on the Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn at 11 a.m. while Center Street Sound Company keeps family-friendly favorites blasting from the Town Hall Pavilion Stage. Ashland Dance Academy will be touring their Choo Choo Boogie all around town, making a special dance appearance in front of the Virtual Railfan cameras, which will allow Train Day fans around the world to enjoy the day Center of the Universe style.
And while free shuttlebus service will be offered from designated parking lots, wouldn’t it be super fun to roll into town on a train? Amtrak is offering Train Day specials. Visit Amtrak.com for details.
“We are always trying to bring more ways for people to experience what it means to be a train town,” Keeton says. Make your plans now to get on board for Ashland Train Day 2026!
For more information including links to Amtrak and the Virtual Railfans Cam, visit online at AshlandTrainDay.com.
Editorial by Steve Cook; April 2026
