Promoting Main Street takes many forms, but it all comes down to one big idea: positioning downtown as the beating heart of the community and the hub of economic activity. It’s about telling the world, “This place is special,” and inviting everyone to see what makes it shine.
The Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) does this beautifully through a noteworthy event that celebrates the community’s unique story, especially its rich rail history. This past April 26, DAA hosted the 21st annual Ashland Train Day, a beloved street festival and railroad extravaganza that has become the signature event for this Center of the Universe. With trains rolling right down the middle of Railroad Avenue, Ashland’s Main Street truly comes alive.
Ashland Train Day is much more than just locomotives! The festival fills downtown with Train Day apparel, local shops and vendors, food trucks, live music, family activities, and model trains alongside the real iron giants. Behind it all is DAA’s powerhouse team of just two staff members, twelve dedicated board members, and more than 200 volunteers who keep the wheels turning.
The impact speaks for itself. This year’s Train Day drew an estimated 20,000 visitors and generated $44,000 in revenue—funds that will go right back into DAA’s mission to fuel more vibrant programs downtown. Even more impressive, the event earned over 1.7 million media impressions without spending a dime on advertising—showing just how far strong community connections and compelling stories can go.
DAA’s recent Ashland Train Day 2025 Impact Report shows what’s possible when a community rallies together to invest in its downtown. Their work proves that with creativity, collaboration, and a deep love for place, the Main Street engine can keep running strong for years to come.
Want to know more? Reach out to DAA and see how you can put your Main Street on the map!
Image Credit: Downtown Ashland Association
Virginia Main Street 