The 39th year celebrating Ashland Day is being planned for Saturday, Oct. 4 at Stone Park from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Organizers this year had a late start on planning for the annual community celebration day. In mid-July, it was announced that the Ashland Day Committee didn’t have the funding it needed to plan the event, due to last year’s low turnout with the pouring rain. Many people were disappointed with the news. A small group of organizers has recruited dozens of volunteers, and together with crucial support from the Ashland Day Committee, the team is working hard to make the event possible.

“It started as a conversation between myself, Claudia Bennett (Select Board), Josh Wiczer (AHS Teacher and Student Council Advisor), and Chrissy Reynolds (Ashland Business Association and owner of Annemarie’s Dance) to see if we could pull something together. It became a true collaboration between AHS, the Select Board, and the ABA. And the community support to help make this happen has been amazing- it speaks to the love our town has for Ashland Day,” said Brandi Kinsman, Select Board.

The group has reached out to both businesses and residents in Ashland, asking them to donate to help them reach their $15,000 fundraising goal. Businesses that support Ashland Day receive promotion on the event website and printed materials, on Ashland Day t-shirts, and even an attraction, such as a bounce house at the event. Individuals who donate can receive a “Proud Supporter of Ashland Day” yard sign or magnet, as well as special recognition on Ashland Day materials. 

A great day is being planned that includes food, entertainment, and booths from organizations and local businesses. This year, all booths are asked to host an activity or game, very similar to Pumpkin Fest from 2022. All Ashland Day’s activities and entertainment will appeal to a broad range of ages and cultures, and revenues will go to support local organizations and the planned 40th celebration of Ashland Day next year.

“The student organizations at Ashland High School are excited to participate in this year’s Ashland Day. Past Ashland Days and the 2022 Pumpkin Fest have been great opportunities for the student groups to fundraise and connect with the Ashland community,” said Josh Wiczer.

Donations are still needed to make this year’s Ashland Day a success. Please visit the Ashland Day 2025 website at: www.tinyurl.com/ashlandday2025 to donate and for more information. Questions can be directed to [email protected].