ASHLAND/ WESTERN HANOVER | Also serving the communities of Montpelier, Beaverdam, Rockville and Doswell
Photos courtesy of Martha Miller
Above, The Ashland Police Department stopped by the Town of Ashland’s community picnic to mingle with visitors and shoot some hoops with children. Town of Ashland officials also stopped by and enjoyed the picnic’s local cuisine. Below, the Ashland Kiwanis Club grilled up hotdogs in the spirit of a community cookout. Visitors gathered under the Carter Park and Pool pavillion to play a round of Ashland Bingo for the chance to win some free prizes.
Town of Ashland’s community picnic a summer evening success Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local The Town of Ashland recently hosted a community picnic inviting Ashlanders of all ages to mingle with residents, enjoy refreshments, participate in games and jump in the refreshing Carter Park Pool. The event, organized by the Town of Ashland’s Community Engagement and Parks and Recreation Departments, was first dreamt up by Gloria Arnold, a long-time Ashland resi-
dent, who proposed the idea to Martha Miller, the town’s community engagement manager. It was held on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Carter Park and Pool. The event, which intended to span from 4 to 7 p.m., featured free pool admission, hot dogs from the Ashland Kiwanis Club, barbeque from Around the Table, Mexican paletas from Los Regios Dulceria y Neveria, ice cream sundaes from Sweet Sharae’s, a beer and wine garden organized by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, Ashland-themed bingo, piñata, lawn
games, basketball, soccer, giveaways, and live music courtesy of DJ Melvin Gates. According to Miller, the event drew a crowd of around 200 visitors over the course of 90 minutes. Several residents intended to attend around 5:30 p.m. for dinner, but the evening’s weather unfortunately “took a turn” on the gathering and cut the festivities short. Despite the storm cutting the night short, Miller said the first community picnic was a great success while it lasted. “I believe it was a success because it provided
an opportunity for those in our community who may have never experienced Carter Park pool since the renovation to check it out and cool off on a hot day,” Miller said. “It also created opportunities for Town staff, members of Council and Ashland Police officers to socialize and connect with the community in a less formal way, something we hope to do more of in the future.” “We definitely plan to do some version of this event next year, perhaps on Town Hall lawn with the new pavilion for music and entertainment!” said Miller.
Hanover Tavern’s upcoming fall programs embrace the spooky, delectable A Beer Pairing Dinner will be held at the Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, on Friday, Aug. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The dinner will feature four courses. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 804-537-5050 Heritage Music Series: Danny Jams at the Hanover Tavern on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature live music on
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The Mechanicsville Local
the patio and $7.49 burgers. Reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, call 804537-5050. Oktoberfest Beer Dinner at the Hanover Tavern on Friday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature Oktoberfest beers, German food and live music. The cost is $40 per person. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 804-537-5050.
August 17, 2022
Haunted Tavern Tour at the Hanover Tavern on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. The event will feature a guided ghost tour of the historic tavern. The cost is $10 per person. To register or for more information, visit the tavern’s website: www. hanovertavern.org. Hanover Autumnfest presented by Anton Paar at the Hanover Tavern on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family festival will
feature food, beer, games, crafts and a petting zoo. The event is free admission. Speaker Series: In Sickness and in Health: The Marriage of Patrick Henry and Sarah Shelton at the Hanover Tavern on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Author Mark Couvillon will discuss his newest book. The event is free admission. Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling 804-537-5050.